By Rev. Gary Zieroth

Pastors, and other church workers, are called by God to serve His people in a joyful vocation of sharing the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the forgiveness of sins, and life forever with Christ.

The pastor’s main job is as a seelsorger, or one who “cares for souls.” Pastors teach, preach, and administer the sacraments faithfully. They counsel people, attend meetings, contact and visit those who have wandered away, baptize, marry, conduct funerals, and well, the list can go on. In many ways, the ministry can be considered a “high-stress” occupation.

In their efforts to serve God and others, many pastors can find themselves discouraged, burned out, anxious, or depressed. Pastors are not unlike the general population. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five people today suffer from some form of mental illness. These conditions are often exacerbated for the pastor when he experiences ongoing criticism and conflict from his own parishioners, very high if not impossible expectations, and the pastor’s unwillingness to address his own mental health issues — or spiritual care — until it is too late.

Many pastors have left the ministry because of feelings of guilt or shame in that they failed God and their people in some way. If pastors are married and/or have a family, there can be the added guilt of neglecting them in trying to please everyone in the congregation.

Many times in teaching seminarians in my classes about these issues, warnings, and dangers of serving in the pastoral office, many of the students cannot grasp these things until they actually go out and serve in a real parish setting. Even many students can experience mental health issues, but I feel that they have better support from the seminary and its community than pastors do in the ministry.

As dean of students, I was able to work with students and their families very closely and to refer them to capable mental health professionals when needed. But what kind of support can a pastor find when he is out in the field?

Supporting our pastors, and other church workers, involves proactive care, including utilizing LCMS-specific resources, encouraging rest, reducing stigma, and offering friendship.

One of the joys in my ministry was when people would come to me and say, “We are praying for you, pastor.” Or “we have been praying for you and your family.” These words of encouragement were often the balm that I needed, especially during a particularly hard or stressful time. I have been encouraged when my people have extended grace and forgiveness to me in times when I needed to hear the absolution in my life and be reminded of my loving and forgiving Savior.

Here are some other ways to support your pastor:

► Utilize LCMS Resources: Encourage your pastor to use the Pastoral Support Network by calling (888) 712-1805 (Employer ID: PASTOR) for counseling.

► Advocate for sabbath and rest: Actively ensure your pastor takes days off, vacation, and breaks to prevent burnout. Also, many pastors have been renewed in the ministry by taking a “sabbatical.” One congregation’s policy reads as follows: “After seven years of service, all ordained or commissioned staff are eligible for a sabbatical of six months.” Shorter or longer sabbaticals can also be helpful. This can be a time for writing, study, travel, research, and other helpful activities.

► Provide practical support such as adequate compensation and care, which would include coverage for counseling and psychiatric care.

► Reduce isolation. Be a friend, not just a congregant. Ask about their family, hobbies, and how they are doing personally.

Continue to wrap your pastor and his family in prayer. Work with him, support, and encourage him as he brings God’s gifts to you. Ask that our gracious God continue to sustain him for all that he is called to do. For the sake of Christ and His Church!

The Rev. Dr. Gary Zieroth serves as the associate pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind., and also adjunct professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.