Caring for Pastors and their Families
The challenges of pastoral ministry can be overwhelming for some. In many cases, a senior pastor has no one in whom he can confide without great risk. The Senior Pastor Round Table is a place for lead pastors to simply be men without having to perform pastoral duties. These gatherings focus on the pastor as an individual, husband, and dad. We do our best to avoid work-related conversations, but they do occur at times, since a pastor is personally impacted by many things that take place in church life. If you need a safe, confidential, and encouraging environment, the Senior Pastor Round Table may be just the place for you.
FACTS ABOUT PASTORS
"1,500 pastors leave their ministries each month due to burnout, conflict or moral failure."
Carenet
Counseling
"Knowing someone to reach out to is vital...They’re afraid of losing their jobs, not being a good role model, or being inappropriately transparent."
Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra
The Gospel Coalition
"According to the New York Times (August 1, 2010), “Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.”
New York Times
"33% felt burned out within their first five years of ministry."
Carenet
Counseling
CORE VALUES
- Personal Support – The SPRT is focused on the senior pastor as a man, husband, and father. There will inevitably be times when conversations will include work related topics. However, the mission/objectives must always be in focus.
- A Safe Environment – The SPRT is conscientious to provide privacy, confidentiality, and a non-judgmental environment for participants. Without a safe environment, pastors will not be vulnerable.
- Authentic Care – The SPRT is not a bait-and-switch. We genuinely care for one another. We don’t use this group for personal agendas, but for the well-being of each individual.
- Mutual Respect – Every participant has a voice. Because of the diversity of a SPRT, each pastor’s opinion is important. Church size, ministry experience, and social influence do not give one participant power over another.
- Diversity – The SPRT is intentional about gathering pastors from different ethnic and denominational backgrounds to reflect the unity of the Body of Christ.
FORMAT
- Round Table (no more than 13 men)
- Small Group (3-4 men)
Both groups include:
- Conversational interaction
- Intentional but flexible agenda items
- Male senior pastors only
SPRTs meet monthly from 11:30am – 1:00pm at different locations.