Church hurt is real. In the recent years, increasing scrutiny has been placed on church leaders due to moral failures, abuse scandals, toxic leadership styles, financial indiscretions, and relational strife. The failures of leaders and pastors in many churches have left countless church members wounded, confused, and frustrated.

But what if leaders themselves are also experiencing significant levels of pain, brokenness, and church hurt? Even though some pastors are responsible for causing hurt within church, many of them are being wounded by it too.

One recent study found that 1 in 6 pastors are in distressing levels of isolation, loneliness, fear, anger, and hurt. 45% of pastors report having felt burned out to the degree of having to take a break from ministry. An increasing number of clergy are on antidepressants, and there’s been an alarming number of suicides among high profile pastors in the recent years.  

What is it about pastoral ministry that makes it so painful and difficult sometimes? Why do so many stay in ministry, even when it’s hurtful and challenging? And how can we pray for our church leaders, support them, and show them love?