On the Brink: Grace for the Burned-Out Pastor

As we learn from Christ’s crucifixion, any decision to sacrificially love sinners is going to hurt―really hurt. And our own sin makes things even messier. Pastors and church leaders know both sides of this well. In fact, many pastors leave the ministry after only five years, and one study found that 1,400 pastors leave the ministry each month “due to stress, disillusionment, or forced termination.” Why is this? Ministry has many unique challenges. When the pain, frustration, and exhaustion of ministry build up in a pastor’s heart, it’s easy for him to lose sight of the incredible gifts given to him in Jesus Christ: hope and resurrection power that will strengthen him to carry on. Acknowledging the unique challenges of ministry, Pastor Clay Werner helps us reopen our eyes to the gospel’s soul-sustaining and heart-renewing comfort for church leaders.