Spring 2009
When Ministry Hurts: Healing for the Wounded Leader
Pastoral ministry is not always easy. Pastors carry the burdens of their congregation as they work to minister to those who are hurting. But many times those who are hurting hurt the one who is trying to help them. Pastoral pain can also come from staff members, or in the case of a staff person, his senior pastor. This pain also extends to the families of those in ministry.
Many times those who have been wounded carry the pain with them as they continue to minister. Others turn from the ministry and look for a vocation that is less stressful.
This issue of Enrichment journal is designed to bring healing to those who have been injured in ministry. Learn how to deal with pastoral hurts from Glenn Daman, Don Detrick, Wayde I. Goodall, David Horner, T. Ray Rachels, John Setser, Les Welk, and Dale O. Wolery,
Theme Articles
Introduction
Gary R. Allen
While ministry can provide reward, joy, and fulfillment, it can also create deep wounds, pain, anger, and unforgiveness.
The Journey From Suffering to Sufficient Grace
M. Wayne Benson With Scott Harrup
Three pastors speak candidly about their wounds and what it took to survive and heal and continue in ministry. Their shared stories prove both instructive and healing.
When Your Character Is Under Fire: The Withering Effect of Personal Attacks
David Horner
Some of the most destructive personal attacks pastors face do not come from a pagan, unbelieving world. More often they come from within the church.
Recovering From Emotional Abuse
Don Detrick
What to do when those you have ministered to, sacrificed over, prayed and counseled with, and encouraged turn against you.
Broken Hearts Shattered Trust: Workplace Abuse of Church Staff
John Setser
Abused associates leave their places of ministry confused, despondent, and discouraged. If you are a wounded associate, consider the following principles you can draw on to facilitate your healing.
Hurting Those We Serve — When a Pastor’s Wounds Injure the Ones He Seeks To Heal
Dale O. Wolery
It is easy for pastors to be blind to the ways they do relationships poorly and to the wounds that influence their relationship behavior.
The Minister and the Plague of Personal Insecurity
Leslie E. Welk
If insecurity among ministers is to some extent unavoidable, the key question is: at what point does insecurity become dysfunctional?
Missing Your Sweet Spot and Other Avoidable Mistakes Ministry Leaders Make
Kent J. Ingle
Pastors bring some troubles on themselves through their failures and mistakes. Here are ten of the most common mistakes ministry leaders make and how can you avoid them.
When Sheep Attack: Dealing with Pastoral Abuse in the Smaller Church
Glenn Daman
While a pastor cannot stop all the abuse that happens in the smaller church, he can turn malicious beasts into docile sheep by following these six steps.
When Not to Swing Back: The Pastor vs. the Antagonist
Wayde I. Goodall
The response of spiritual leaders of previous generations who have been misunderstood, threatened, or unjustly attacked by others gives us precedence to build on in choosing to both understand what is going on and to come out stronger.
Healthy Exit Strategies: How to Know When It’s Time to Move On and Best Prepare for It
T. Ray Rachels
A pastor’s ability to determine whether he should continue at his present place of ministry or leave will give wisdom its severest test.
Beyond the Ashes … The Journey Back to Wholeness
Trisha Matthews
Ministry wives who limp along the dark and lonely path of their husband’s moral failure share a common desire — to find healing for their broken hearts.
In Closing — Inevitable Wounds
M. Wayne Benson
Final words of encouragement for the wounded shepherd.
From the General Superintendent
Steps to Forgiveness
George O. Wood
Unforgiveness has a high cost, but how does one proceed in forgiveness? Consider these six steps to a forgiving heart.
Column Articles
From the Light Side
Sourdough, Ak — A Salt of Character
Jack Aiken and Torry “Moose” Martin
Theological Enrichment
The Imminent Return of Christ: Do We Really Believe It?
W.E. Nunnally
The Greatest Challenges Of Pastoral Care
Healing From the Pain of Sexual Assault
Jennifer Cisney
Ministry And Medical Ethics
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: The Interrelationship of Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health
Christina M.H. Powell
Q&A For The Pastor’s Wife
Bouncing Back From a Painful Situation
Gabriele Rienas
Clergy, Church & Law
Church Computers
Richard R. Hammar
Everything But Preaching
Dick Hardy
iuniversity: Empowering Collegians For Christ
Do You Have Room in Your Life for One More Friend?
Harvey A. Herman
Original Wisdom
Richard G. Spurling (1857–1935)
“A Theology Rooted and Grounded in Love”
Douglas Jacobsen
departments (Print edition only)
- Sermon Seeds
- Book Reviews
- News & Resources
- Marketplace
- With Christ
- Advertising Index
