Caring Connections

I had a call yesterday from the wife of a retired pastor in Canada. As we talked she mentioned a small outreach she started that she calls a card ministry. This lady sends greeting cards with encouraging notes to pastors who may be struggling or just in need of a reminder someone cares about them — personally. Why?

In the words of my friend, “Many pastors out there are hurting and need someone to reach out to them.” I know that. In fact, I have known for years. And that is the whole premise of my book #Leading #Effectively When Everything Says Quit. 

Given the state of our world and the pressures under which many pastors serve, it’s surprising hardly anything is being said about caring for the shepherds. Could it be we, the church, are ashamed to talk about our imperfections? The Bible talks about weakness and as a result, we all know the way to become strong in the Lord.

Think for a moment what would have happened if Jesus had spent his days rallying around the people who already believed and were focused on him as Messiah? Just in case we missed it Jesus told those who questioned his habit of hanging out with the down and outers that those who are well do not need a doctor. In other words, though nothing attracts like success, the leaders and pastors and people in your circle who are at the top of their game are not necessarily the ones most in need of your time and energies. Turn instead to the one struggling to get a leg up or to come out from under.

But to get back to my friend. She talked about the calls she has received since her card ministry started. Words like, “just in time,” “thanks for caring” and “I needed that” are quite common. I guess you know the next gift these pastors receive will be a card inside the book Leading Effectively. The message cannot be repeated too often. When we are broken to the point where quitting seems to be the only haven, we are simply at the place where God can more easily shape us into vessels for his greater honor and glory.

Is there someone you know who needs this message?