I tell you all of this to offer a simple plea in these strange times: give your pastor grace.

The emotional and spiritual weight of normal ministry is very heavy by itself. Good pastors take seriously the reality that they are responsible for the souls of their flocks, that they will give an account for all the precious people stewarded to them. Add to that normal weight conflict, harsh treatment, gossip, false accusations, weaponized disappointments, the frequent loneliness of leadership, financial stressors, and the like, and — well — the pastor’s body will keep the score.

These dangers are possible in every church, because every church is made up of sinners — both pastors and laypeople alike.

As weird and messy as your church is, there is only a miracle to be gained by offering up your very selves to the Lord who made you and loves you.

God has created a culture where brokenness, transparency, and honesty are welcomed, not shunned.

A prayer that the pastor's wife will be eternally fascinated and astonished by the gospel and that it will transform every aspect of her life.

Trust that your pastor is following Jesus closely enough that you can trust him. 

I’m convinced that too few church members often think about the burdens and responsibilities that really do make ministry special.