Who Pastors the Pastor?

Galatians 6:2 (KJV)
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 
Shepherdess 

Recently, I have been reflecting deeply on many of the situations facing pastoral families in our church and other denominations. As I look at where God has brought me from and consider the times in which we are living, I have become more reflective and more understanding. Yet, I realize that not everyone has reached this place of awareness.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to speak with many shepherdesses and pastors, and many of them struggle more than people realize. When you place yourself on the front lines of the battle for Christ, the attacks will be fierce. Satan will come against the church, and he will often target pastors’ families and children. When these areas are weakened, the influence and effectiveness of the pastor can be deeply impacted.

Personally, I have wrestled with the level of support and mentoring provided to pastors and their spouses in ministry. Too often, pastors are faithfully feeding the sheep, but their own souls are not being nourished. They pray for and support the children and youth of the church, while sometimes their own children feel neglected. They counsel struggling couples, while their own emotional and spiritual wells run dry.

So the question must be asked: Who pastors the pastor?

What support systems are in place to nurture and revive the ministers who lead? Many pastoral families serve in difficult fields where support is limited. There is often an unspoken expectation that pastors must always be strong and never struggle. This perception becomes a burden that many carry in silence.

Frequently, pastors serve far from their extended families and lifelong friends. The church becomes their closest community. When that connection is strained or broken, the impact is not only professional, it is deeply personal and spiritual.

While the organization has established Ministerial Departments to provide care and oversight, experience has shown that there are still great gaps in support. My hope is that we will recognize the real and growing needs of our pastoral families and respond with intentional care, not just structural systems.

There are many pastoral children today who want nothing to do with church leadership. Where once sons dreamed of following in their fathers’ footsteps, now many hesitate. The weight of ministry, when unsupported, can leave wounds that last beyond childhood.

Pastors matter.
Their families matter.
Their children matter.

We have lost good pastors, men and women who could have continued faithfully if the right support had been in place. Many pastors struggle silently because there are things they feel they cannot say out loud.

As we labor together in ministry, let us support one another. This work can be lonely and sometimes thankless, but it is not without blessing. God sees the labor, the tears, and the sacrifices of those who serve His people.

Let us pray for our pastors.
Let us encourage their families.
Let us become part of the answer to the question: Who pastors the pastor?

Five Ways We Can Support a Pastoral Family

1. Pray intentionally for them.
   Pray for their spiritual strength, marriage, children, health, and protection.

2. Encourage them with words and actions.
   A kind message, note, or simple “thank you” can lift a heavy heart.

3. Respect their family time and boundaries.
   Allow them space to rest and nurture their own household.

4. Offer practical help.
   Babysitting, meals, or assistance during busy seasons shows real love.

5. Create safe spaces for honesty.
   Let them know they can share without fear of judgment or gossip.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for those who serve as shepherds over Your people. Strengthen pastors and their families who labor quietly and faithfully. Surround them with encouragement, wise counsel, and true support. Heal weary hearts and renew tired spirits. Help us to care for those who care for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.