It has been a privilege to be involved in the lives of thousands of missionaries and pastors over five decades of ministry. My training in both theology and counselling has been helpful in many situations encountered. This has been specifically true for those preparing for ministry.
However, my observation is that in the majority of situations pastoral needs can be met in the ministry of pastors to each other. Pastors need pastoral care that can very often best be provided by pastors. The requirement is a listening, sensitive ear that provides more presence and compassion than answers. This needs to be understood. Pastors are inclined to give answers. Pastors need the presence of another, compassionate listening, and comforting assurance.
Consider the need of Paul, the Apostle. (2 Cor. 7:6f) He was depressed, tired, harassed at every turn, conflict from outside, and fears within. This is not an unusual state for pastors. The literature of research re pastors moving out of ministry bears witness to the reality of this experience for pastors today. Let’s face the fact that seminary training equips us well for everything except what Paul, and pastors experience.
That’s not devaluing seminary training. It is facing the reality that occurs in a pastor’s life after a few years in ministry. It is the “God, who comforts the downcast” that used Titus to comfort Paul. Also, the Corinthian church participated in that comfort. Notice it was the “presence” and the “comfort” that Titus brought. The word “presence” contains the idea of advent (the coming) and the idea of possession. Titus not only came to Paul at his initiative, but in coming he became Paul’s possession, fully owned by Paul in his attention and support. Presence is powerful when it includes these elements. That’s what pastors need. Not advice, not comparison, not competition, not glib generalities but genuine presence, like that of the Holy Spirit about whom the same word is used.
In addition, Paul needed to hear of the “deep sorrow” the believers of the church at Corinth experienced for him. This is a strong word. It describes the agony of Ramah in “great mourning for her children that were no more. (Mt. 2:18) The compassion of churches caring for pastors (yes, pastors of other churches) is a powerful expression of care. This will likely be motivated by pastors who care for pastors. We need to create a constellation of care for pastors if they are to fulfill God’s calling. Pastors who share the need of other pastors must be very sensitive in sharing with their churches.
Pastors caring for pastors is of great importance in the fulfillment of God’s calling to ministry. The sensitivity of a pastor will open the heart of other pastors to be recipients of the ministry that will sustain them in the same way Paul was sustained by Titus. In this process Paul says, “My joy was greater than ever.” Pastors bring joy to other pastors is a worth and necessary ministry for pastors
