When Your Pastor Does Not Heal From Grief

By: Pastor Mike Matthews

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Pastors are human. They are not exempt from grief and loss. Many never get help. And their congregations suffer.

Sick pastors create sick disciples. Many are still leading churches when they need to be in therapy and on a break. Their mental health needs to heal and be taken care of.

Sadly, because of pride and stigmas, they don’t get help and their grief becomes their identity and that of the church.

When a pastor commits suicide, I go into mourning over a brother I never knew because I know the weight they carry. Something needs to change in our churches.

What can we do?

Well, using principles from Matthew 18, have a spiritual and mental health intervention as a church with your grieving pastor. Support them to get help. Rather it's a three month, six month or a year sabbatical, commit to helping them as they get help.

The truth will set you all free for the glory of Jesus. He does not want your pastor’s mental health to suffer so you have someone to preach on Sunday.

Pastors limp too. Help them limp loved.

Prayer-

May hurting pastors get the help they need so they can be here and thrive for their family and your kingdom. Amen.