PastorCare -- The National Clergy Support Network

On a listserv I'm subscribed to, a poster asked why didn't Ted Haggard avail himself to the help he needed. There are a growing number of ministries dedicated to supporting and encouraging pastors. Saw another one this week ... PastorCare -- The National Clergy Support Network PastorCare Great Lakes Someone recently quoted to me the stat of 1700 pastors a month are forced/resigned from ministry. I remember HB London from Focus on the Family saying that 50% of clergy leave pastoral ministry within 5 years of being ordained. I held out for 9. I miss it some. Over the past several months I've done a couple weddings, a funeral and preached a couple times. Those really are great privileges. Preaching has always been good for my spiritual life. I miss planning new ministry initiatives. I miss having a continuing education budget and staying on the cutting edge of ministry and culture trends, and the fellowship with pastors at those kind of events. I miss the people contact, especially personal evangelism. Being out of full time pastoral ministry has changed me in a lot of good ways. Depression is substantially much less an issue in my life anymore. I believe God for more and have a bigger vision for the local church. I've learned a lot about leadership. It's been good to work with people who believe in me and who are all rowing in the same direction. I sleep better on Saturday nights and enjoy football more on Sunday afternoons. I certainly don't miss congregational meetings. I'm sure they don't miss me either. Maybe again some day ...