I found a way to help other pastors. I can encourage them by listening to them, advising them, and providing counsel right where they need it.
About ten years ago, my wife, Jennifer, offered to attend a training seminar with me on the topic of biblical counseling. I have been a believer in biblical counseling, but I had a lot to learn. This was our chance to do it together. We took the plunge.
After many seminars, dozens of books, and many years of applying the principles we learned to our own lives, we find ourselves counseling others regularly in the context of our local church.
A few years ago, a pastor-friend of mine who is also a biblical counselor mentioned to me that he had decided to reserve his counseling time for pastors and their families. That struck me as profound. When I needed counsel, I could simply approach one of my brothers or my parents. But, it occurred to me, that many pastors do not have three brothers and a dad in ministry alongside them. Maybe the Lord would like for me to offer counseling to other pastors or members of their household when they need it.
I have observed that solo-pastor of a smaller church has to work alone a great deal. They may not feel they can open up to the pastor of the Bible-preaching church across town. They surely don’t have time to drive three or four hours every Monday to utilize a ministry that provides counseling.
I began to wonder if that was something I could investigate.
This year, my big brother, Ken, suddenly was taken to Glory. It surprised us horribly. You can imagine how much it meant to me that my brother would say that I was one of his biggest encouragers.
This was another moment of clarity. I want to do what I can to encourage other pastors, and this is one way I can do that.
But there is more. I have had the privilege of sitting in on staff meetings for over twenty years at a church with multiple staff members. Over those years, we have “talked a lot of shop.” I have discovered that I have a gift for administration and I have had many, many discussions about the workings of a vibrant, local church.
This is another way I already have helped other pastors. Whether it is formal or informal, I have found that other pastors sometimes like my ideas or benefit from the experiences I have collected over thirty-two years of ministry.
I have also been blessed to enjoy a long tenure in my current position. I know what it’s like to pass the ten-year mark and the benefits that can bring. I know that there is another one around twenty years that’s worth the wait.
This has led me to the goals of Shepherd’s Friend, a title I have given to a ministry concept. Here they are.
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To provide accessible and affordable coaching to pastors in all areas of pastoral ministry.
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To provide convenient biblical counseling free of charge to pastors and their households.
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To encourage more godly men to remain in ministry longer and work smarter.
In a few days, I’ll share more of the story. Catch ya later.
