Step Back From That Ledge: A Pastor's Responsibility to Care For His Own Soul

It is unacceptable for us as pastors to isolate ourselves, refuse to lean on anyone, or fail to confess our sins to others simply because it is difficult, inconvenient, or risky.

Understanding the Ledge of Ministry Burnout

Too many pastors live just inches from the ledge. The ledge is burnout—a place of ‘I can’t do this anymore’ and ‘I’m risking my health and marriage if I continue’. The closer you walk to this ledge, the easier it is to get knocked off.

This is a dangerous place to stand because pastors often encounter some combination of politics, betrayals, blindsides, whisper campaigns, firing attempts, and other difficult circumstances. These sometimes happen in public view, but more often they happen behind closed doors and in private message threads.

Pastors rarely share these experiences, primarily because they are reluctant to recount what would paint others in a poor light. I tend to explore these common elements of pastoral ministry quite often, but I want to be clear that I don't think pastors are perfect or that they need constant sympathy.

There is work to be done with how churches often treat their pastors but the main point is that too many pastors falter under the weight of their experiences because they fail to adequately care for their own souls.

They stand too close to the ledge and pay the price on the next windy day (often a Monday, by the way).

The Importance of Soul Care and Steadfastness

The truth is that in many cases if pastors did a better job of caring for their own souls, they would be less likely to falter when the next moment of trial arrives. And they would be more likely to find the strength not only to endure but to “count it all joy” while doing so.

And so, pastors, even when we are pressed upon in unjust ways, it is still up to us to continually cultivate a love for the Lord, a passion for His Word, and a soft heart for His people. We are responsible for accepting trials as from the Lord and continuing to trust in his goodness even when times are tough.

When I offer care and coaching to pastors, the purpose is not to coddle or offer a “safe space” where every grievance is affirmed and no correction is offered. In no way do I believe that the pastor is always the victim in every scenario. Caring for other pastors is not an opportunity for us to wallow together in the unique difficulties of the vocation.

The goal is to challenge pastors to seek truly effective remedies to bring them out of their despair and prepare them for the next trial.

Developing Habits of Grace and Seeking Help

There's usually a single incident that pushes a pastor over the ledge, but it is never the only incident. Baggage from past hurts becomes a heavy weight that accumulates without a venue to process these experiences. Sadly, there is some stigma still attached to pastors processing their pains.

But again, pastors, it is our job to remain engaged in the care of our own souls and to reach out for the help we need. It is unacceptable for us to isolate ourselves, refuse to lean on anyone, or fail to confess our sins to others simply because it is difficult, inconvenient, or risky. We are at risk when we isolate, hide our weaknesses, and keep in darkness what should be brought into the light.

With what at least anecdotally seems like a sharp rise in patterns of disqualifying sin in pastors’ lives, now is a good time for a tune-up and to schedule regular preventative maintenance so that the next time things get difficult, you are not standing inches from the ledge prone to a slight breeze.

What Should You Do?

What should you do? Reach out for help.

If help is available but pride is holding you back, be done with that. Get help.

If, on the other hand, you are feeling isolated and without access to care and support, I’m happy to walk with you through the challenges you’re facing, providing the wisdom and guidance you need. Please get in touch and schedule a call.

Now is the time to step back from the ledge.

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Are you a pastor who finds himself in need of care or coaching, in a state of depletion, or not knowing where to turn? Let’s talk. Follow this link to my contact page or click the button below.

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Michael Krahn is a pastor, the husband of Anne Marie, and the father of Madeleine, Olivia, and Sophia. Make a connection on Facebook, X, or Instagram.