“After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go?’” John 6:66-68a (ESV)
I have heard that a recent Barna study revealed that 50% would leave the ministry if they could! That’s half of those who are leading churches, preaching and ministering to the sheep would step out of their vital, and essential role as pastor, if they could. The pressure is relentless on their families. They feel pulled to appease whining and biting sheep, to try to make right decisions when every decision is scrutinized and usually somebody will not like it. And though they would leave if they could, they can’t! Obviously, this possibly includes your pastor! Whether he has felt it to that degree or not, he has definitely felt it!
This is why Athens Prayer Network is so important! We provide a context for pastors to journey together, to connect, to pray with and for each other, to not stand alone! We have monthly and weekly opportunities for pastors to pray together. We encourage them to build relationship with each outside our gatherings. And we do ministry things together such as the Night of Glory (January 30). Sadly, throughout this past season, for one reason or another several pastors have chosen to distance themselves from APN, and to stand alone. This hurts everyone! Standing together we are better, and blessed (Psalm 133).
Pray for your pastor! If they are not connected to APN, please pray that they would connect (or reconnect). Pray that every trace of weariness, disappointment, discouragement, loneliness, and depression would be washed off of them. Pray for a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit to blow over them and to fill them. Pray for a new joy and sense of calling in their ministry. Pray for their marriage, their love and absolutely commitment to their spouse would be renewed and strengthened. Pray that across our city, pastors would stand side by side, back to back, hand in hand with each other. Pray for a new level of kingdom unity to be established in Athens Georgia!
