So, I’ve been thinking these days about my future. I have just finished my ministry at New Life Assembly, Brantford, Ontario. It has been a tremendously positive journey. Yet, I have this overwhelming sense that there is a new season ahead though I haven’t a clue what it will look like. A friend asked me what I would like to do if there were no limits as to the possibilities or no details that couldn’t be worked out. Well, it didn’t take me long to answer because I have been thinking about this for a while. My response was simple. “I would like to bless pastors”. “I would simply like to provide peer support for ministers and their families at various stages of their ministries, some who are in or on the verge of crisis.” So, I’ve thought about it and put some things on paper. I’ve even given this ministry idea a name – “Shoulder To Shoulder Ministries”.

Here’s why this is important to me. I’ve learned some lessons about churches and pastors over eighteen years of ministry. I also grew up in a pastor’s home. So, I have, in fact, been living this all of my life and I have made some observations. (Here’s just a few)

OBSERVATION #1:
Christian Ministry Can Be A Wonderful Place Of Fulfillment

To be actively involved in ministry as a vocation is a blessing. Think of the opportunities. There is joy in watching believers mature in their faith. To be able to study, preach and teach is a delight of any pastor. There is something rewarding about being affirmed for a sermon well preached, worship well led or an event well done. Just think, pastor– God works and speaks though what you have to do and say! He has given the pastor a great trust. Yet, not every pastor is encouraged or affirmed in how they are ministering to the church. If I could do anything, wherever possible, I’d help make ministry a more pleasant place to be.

OBSERVATION #2:
Not Every Day Is A Good Day

Pastors often joke about “Monday morning resignations”. For some it is no joke. From preaching a “dud” to one more complaint about worship style or criticism of a decision the leadership made, some feel like calling it quits. Hey, pastor, whatever you do, please don’t quit. We need you too much to lose you now! If I could do anything, I’d help pastors have more good days than bad days.

OBSERVATION #3:
Not Every Church Is A Good Church

Let’s be real. Some churches have more than their share of miserable people or controlling leaders who feed off each other’s neurosis. (Not my most recent experience.) The apostle Paul showed us in his letters to the churches that there are groups of people who do not have a clue how to treat each other or know how to care for their pastors. If I could do anything, I’d help churches understand themselves more and get to know the role of their pastor and how to care for him and his family better.

OBSERVATION #4:
Not Every Pastor Is A Healthy Pastor

Let’s be honest – all of us have issues. But, some issues lead us to crisis if not dealt with appropriately. For those in ministry there is the potential for personal, familial and ministerial crisis if the problems and struggles are left unattended. Some pastors and their spouses are too exhausted, defeated or weary to even try.If I could do anything, I’d help pastors and their families in crisis or on the verge of crisis. I’d like to give weary pastors a rest.

OBSERVATION #5:
It Is Hard For Pastors To Admit When They Need Someone To Stand With Them - Shoulder To Shoulder.

When you are expected to have the right answer at the right time and expressed in the right way, it is very difficult for pastors to admit they are in crisis themselves. How does the pastor tell his deacons that he needs to be rejuvenated for the next season? Where does he go to find someone to stand shoulder to shoulder? If I could do anything, I’d let pastors and their families know that here is one person who wants to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

So, guys, ask yourself these questions:

How’s your pastor doing? Does he need you to stand Shoulder To Shoulder with him?

Pastor, do you need someone to stand Shoulder To Shoulder with you? Let me know, I’ll do my best to give you the support you need. Maybe we can even come up with some ways to make this practical for all of us.

Closing thought: The word of the Lord came to Judah through Zephaniah in 3:9 and said what would happen if God’s people returned to Him with their whole hearts and became serious about serving Him together.

9. “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.”

We have all seen a brother stumble when he is left to struggle alone. Likewise, we have witnessed victory when we’ve stood Shoulder To Shoulder.

Come on guys - Why not find someone to stand with!