Ministry leaders are such an invaluable part of the body of Christ. The demands of ministry can be taxing in normal circumstances; defying the odds and by the grace of God, pastors have managed to keep shepherding their flocks in the ongoing pandemic.

However, as we see tensions continuing to rise in our culture, these tensions are taking a toll on ministry leaders as well. Our Kerith Retreats leaders have heard a lot about the strain pastors are feeling with divisive opinions in their churches and amongst church boards. It breaks my heart to hear that there doesn’t seem to be a lot of grace for pastors right now.

My fellow believers, will you join me in praying for our pastors? And for your pastor specifically?

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. If I may, here are a few suggestions for how you can support your pastor this month:

  1. Pray for them. Ask God to flood your pastor’s heart with peace, strength and vision. Similarly, pray that your pastor can experience rest and renewal.
  2. Be an agent for peace and unity. It’s so easy to get caught up in seemingly harmless gossip. Use your words to build your ministry leaders up rather than tear them down.
  3. Gift them with a Kerith Retreat. These seven-day, all-inclusive retreats are designed to promote deep rest for ministry leaders so they can re-engage their calling with renewed strength.
  4. Tell them about Focus on the Family Canada’s Clergy Care program. This website provides access to confidential support from professional counsellors, information about our restorative retreats for ministry leaders, helpful articles on healthy routines in ministry, and additional resources for your ministry.

Thank you for joining me in prayer for all of our ministry leaders.

Blessings,

Jean-Paul Beran
 President
 Focus on the Family Canada