The Pastor Needs a Pastor

In ministry, pastors often stand as watchmen on the wall, intercessors in the trenches, and shepherds among scattered sheep. They proclaim the Gospel, bind up the brokenhearted, and labor for the formation of Messiah in others. Yet in this noble vocation, one truth often goes unspoken: the pastor needs a pastor.

I. The Myth of Self-Sufficiency

There is a subtle but dangerous myth in ministry culture, that once ordained, the shepherd becomes impervious to weariness, immune to loneliness, and exempt from the need for spiritual care. But Scripture offers no such exemption. Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms (Ex. 17:12). Paul longed for the comfort of Titus (2 Cor. 7:6). Even Yeshua withdrew to solitary places to commune with the Father (Lk. 5:16).

Pastors are not superhuman. They are servants, vulnerable vessels, and spiritual parents who often carry the burdens of many while overlooking or neglecting their own. With constant caregiving and crisis management, pastors often feel burned out, even emotionally depleted. As we have seen reported too many times, this can lead to a feeling of isolation, loneliness, and spiritual dryness.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

II. The Shepherd’s Wounds

Pastors know the wounds that other pastors carry: betrayal, burnout, isolation, and the quiet ache of unprocessed grief. They understand the weight of preaching hope while privately wrestling with despair. They recognize the tension of leading with vision while feeling unseen.

As a bishop and pastor to pastors, I have sat with pastors whose tears were hidden behind pulpits, whose marriages strained under the pressure of ministry, and whose faith flickered in the silence of prayers seemingly unanswered or delayed. These are not failures; no, they are signs of humanity. And humanity must be pastored, and the Lord’s grace applied. The pastor needs to have a realistic work-life balance, supported by a solid team and leadership. Unrealistic expectations placed upon pastors and their families need to be set aside and replaced with the Lord’s grace and understanding. Shepherds cannot sacrifice their own families while trying to care for yours.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb.10:24).

III. Safe Harbor in the Storm

Every pastor on mission needs a safe harbor, a place of refuge, restoration, and recalibration. This is not weakness; it is wisdom. They need protection from criticism and conflict, support when they feel unsupported, and voices to warn about the dangers of continual overcommitment. The shepherd who never rests will eventually collapse, and I am just as guilty of overlooking or excusing the need for rest. The leader who never confesses will eventually implode. Thankfully, I am surrounded by men and women who place healing over hurt.

Safe harbor looks like spiritual fathering, covenantal friendship, and spaces where vulnerability is not punished but honored. It looks like rhythms of sabbath rest, pastoral retreats, and trusted relationships where confession leads to healing, not condemnation.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (Jas 5:16).

IV. Apostolic Care and Mutual Submission

In the apostolic pattern found in Scripture, care for leaders was never optional, it was foundational. Paul did not just plant churches; he nurtured leaders. He sent encouragement, correction, and companionship. He modeled mutual submission and spiritual covering.

As bishops, elders, and spiritual overseers, we must recover this pattern. We must pastor the pastors, not with control, but with compassion and friendship. Not with hierarchy, but with friendship, honor and dignity. We must create a culture where leaders are not replaceable commodities, but sons and daughters of the Lord, and brethren in the Lord Jesus.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Heb. 13:17)

V. A Call to Restoration

The restoration of the church also needs a restoration of its shepherds. We cannot rush the formation of new pastors, but neither can we rush the restoration of those who have faithfully served. Further, we must not fall into the trap of elevating charisma over godly character. We must never elevate giftedness or platform influence above the weightier matters of character and honor. Anointing may draw crowds, but it is faithful integrity and diligence that disciples the people of God through the valleys and over the mountains. Without the foundation of godly character, charisma becomes a counterfeit substitute for spiritual authority and maturity. When pastors are pastored, they lead from overflow, not exhaustion. When they are seen, they can see others rightly. When they are healed, they become agents of healing.

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3).

Let those of us in leadership build safe harbors for each other, not ports of ungodly advantage. Let us offer spiritual fathering. Let us be the pastors that pastors need.

Maranatha. Shalom.
Bp. Justin