By Ben Mandrell
President and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources
“Too fast!” my wife, Lynley, screamed as I drove down a steep hill caked in snow. The vehicle picked up speed like a roller coaster on first fall.
“I grew up driving in this!” I snapped, more than slightly annoyed that she doubted my driving. Moments later all six Mandrells were sledding sideways, out of control and bracing for impact.
By the grace of God, the SUV stopped just short of a concrete embankment. We were safe, but we were stuck. With a frazzled family and spinning tires, I looked for a friendly passerby — someone to pull us out of this mess.
Looking back on that moment makes me think about pastors who are feeling emotionally stuck. Sadness, depression, bitterness, unresolved anger — all these emotions can cause a spiritual leader to fantasize of running fast from ministry and working in a less draining environment.
In a recent Lifeway Research survey among pastors, we heard painful responses such as, “ I feel the weight of the ministry of this church lays totally on me” and “There is a tremendous sense of loneliness.” [Read more…]


