WEARY LEADERS MAKE POOR DECISIONS

Recently we hosted an especially weary couple that pastor a church in the Northeast.

Their experience of REST here was mind-blowing and has shaken their previous ’status quo’ of non-stop ministry. The week after being with us, Matt was at a yearly pastor’s conference for his denomination and wrote me the following text while sitting in a meeting:

“Joe and Patty,

I am sitting at our District Conference listening to our President speak, and he just said, “Weary leaders make poor decisions”.

So true, and yet so many of our leaders are immensely weary.

He also said something about the Alliance having many avenues for Soul Care, including ministries or places of respite
(similar to Shepherds Care).

That may very well be true, but after 27 years of service, I was not aware of any of these, nor had I ever felt like I was in a position to ask church/district leadership to help me find these resources. On the contrary, previous to my time with Shepherds Care, I would’ve considered seeking this kind of help from our church or district leadership an act of weakness or complaining. What a lie of the enemy…

I am once again reminded of how in need of rest that Shellie and I were, and how grateful we are that you all ended up with our names.

Thanks again for following God’s call to start a ministry of compassion and care for your fellow ministers.
”

This is what Matt and Shellie looked like AFTER a week of rest at a villa on the beach!!!