Over the past six months, I transitioned from my position at Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and began serving as the Church Planting and Leadership Development Director with the North Central District. The desire that motivated this change was to go deeper, not simply wider. I care deeply about starting and strengthening churches to advance the gospel, and that work requires a sustained investment over time.
As I listened to pastors across, not only our nation, but district, I also heard increasing levels of discontent. My pastoral heart has been burdened for leaders who are serving faithfully amid real challenges whether in seemingly difficult or easier places.
I became somewhat of a research geek, so I have been paying close attention to more current work on clergy health. Not long ago, I spent time with Scott Thumma of Hartford International University and attended a lecture by Steven Sandage of Boston University. Both are studying the well-being of clergy. Their findings reveal an important tension: pastors often report levels of overall well-being that compare favorably with the general public, yet many also show clear signs of strain. Burnout, emotional fatigue, isolation, and even trauma-related symptoms are increasingly common among ministry leaders.
Reflecting on my own ministry experience, I can recall situations that left a lasting impact: harsh criticism, congregational conflict, mental health crises, suicide attempts, difficult funerals, and high-risk pastoral visitations. Add the ordinary but demanding responsibilities of preaching, leadership, administration, shepherding, witnessing and caring for people in crisis – often in areas outside a pastor’s natural strengths – and it becomes easier to understand why so many leaders are weary.
These may be modern, American parallels to the burdens the Apostle Paul described in 2 Corinthians 11 – pressures and danger from without, concern for the churches, and the weight of ministry carried day after day. Pastors are not immune to burdens simply because they know Christ. In fact, the depth of their care for people can make the burdens of ministry especially heavy.
Health and wellness are complex. There is no single practice, program, book, or retreat that can resolve every challenge – though a retreat with no emails and good coffee certainly would not hurt. Still, research consistently suggests that pastors have meaningful agency in shaping both their own well-being and the culture of the churches they serve. Four areas deserve renewed attention.
Physical Well-being
According to the research, pastors who rate their physical health as “great” are significantly more likely to experience “great” overall wellness. While not everyone can experience great physical condition, any small efforts toward healthy rhythms can make a real difference.
Where I served for many years, our staff included personal well-being – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – as part of our annual goal setting. That practice helped communicate that caring for one’s overall well-being was not selfish. It was part of faithful stewardship.
And for those who struggle with exercise, as I do, there is encouraging news: recent research suggests that meaningful health benefits can come from around 7,000 steps a day. In other words, we do not need to pursue an unrealistic ideal to take a faithful next step.
Spiritual Practices
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many pastors have returned with renewed intention to Scripture reading and prayer. These disciplines are more than ministry preparation; they are anchors for the soul. A pastor can spend many hours in the Bible for others while neglecting to receive God’s comfort, correction, and hope personally through His Word.
Research indicates that pastors who prioritize their faith in daily life, and especially those who grow in dependence on Jesus, tend to report greater overall wellness. That should be no surprise. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” In seasons of uncertainty or discouragement, that internal foundation sustains external resilience. Our calling is not sustained by self-reliance, but by abiding in Christ.
Relational Support
Half of pastors admit to experience loneliness, even while being surrounded by people. Ministry can be isolating because leaders do not always have a safe place to share the full weight of what they carry. Some decisions are confidential. Some conflicts are painful. Some fears feel too costly to voice.
Regular connection with a mentor, counselor, or trusted group of peers can be a lifeline. These relationships do not have to solve every problem. Often, simply gathering with fellow pastors who understand the realities of ministry can provide perspective, practical support, and a reminder that we are not alone. We need people who will pray with us, tell us the truth, and help us remember God’s faithfulness when our vision is clouded.
Our district pastor clusters and youth leader networks offer meaningful spaces for those kinds of connections. They provide regular opportunities to build trusted relationships with fellow leaders who understand the joys and challenges of ministry. You can learn more in the links below.
Church Culture
Church culture also has a significant effect on pastoral health. While some research connects larger churches with higher pastoral wellness, size is not the decisive factor. Churches of any size can foster health when they share a clear biblical mission, healthy expectations, meaningful relationships, and a common sense of purpose.
And for leaders who feel trapped in dysfunctional or discouraging cultures, change is possible. Through Wheaton’s Church Evangelism Institute cohorts, I saw leaders, including many from our district, begin to reshape culture by naming problems honestly, casting compelling vision, charting a faithful path forward, and reinforcing shared values throughout every layer of ministry. This work takes time, courage, and patience – three characteristics pastors are already asked to supply in abundance.
In summary, the challenges facing pastors today did not arise overnight, and they will not be solved quickly. Yet we can take meaningful steps. By tending to physical, spiritual, relational, and cultural health, we create conditions for more sustainable, life-giving ministry.
Pastors, you are not machines, and your health is not separate from your calling. As a district, we want to walk alongside you, not only as you lead healthy churches, but as you become and remain healthy leaders who are deeply rooted in Christ.
Church Planting and Leadership Development Director
Further NCD Resources:
Pastor Cluster, Networks, & Licensing Groups QuickGuide
Counseling Resources for Pastors and Church Leaders QuickGuide
Anderson House QuickGuide
Sabbatical for Ministry Leaders QuickGuide
NOTE:
This article was originally written for Outreach Magazine during my time at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. Outreach has apparently been a bit sporadic in following up on articles, so the piece went unpublished so far. If the article does eventually appear, I may owe you an apology for reading it twice. I can live with that.