70% of pastors do not have someone they would consider a close friend. 80% believe that pastoral ministry negatively affects their families. 100% of pastors need their congregation's support.
Pastors today are burning out at a faster rate than ever. On top of ministry responsibilities, they struggle with loneliness, fatigue, family problems, and even depression. They minister to others for a living and often receive little care in return.
You can help, says Wes Roberts. As a pastor of pastors, he understands the specific needs of those in ministry today. "Life for all of us has more stress than we want to admit," Roberts states. "But those in ministry have some inherent burdens, pressures, and needs that those in other kinds of work do not."
Support Your Local Pastor will help you identify those specific needs by cutting through the mythology that surrounds pastors and their families. And you'll discover the ideas of more than 100 people on both sides of the pulpit, offering creative ways you can encourage your pastor and help him avoid burnout.
"If church boards and lay people across the country follow what Wes Roberts has masterfully written on encouraging our pastors, pastors will be overwhelmed with God's love, refreshed, and empowered."-Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, president, Moody Bible Institute
"This book deals with pastors as they are. Wes Roberts uses a broad range of real-life illustrations gained from years of experience to bring the ideal pastor and the reality closer together. Wes Roberts really cares about pastors and shows it!"-Jay Kesler, president, Taylor University
"What a wonderful resource Wes Roberts has provided! Practical steps you can take to encourage your pastor. A church that implements the suggestions in this book will have the kind of pastor it has always wanted."-Dale Schlafer, vice president of church relations, Promise Keepers