A Mental Health Program for Pastors

His name was Dr. Bruce Howar. On August 25, 1953, Dr. Howar and I would meet for the very first time at the Hamilton County hospital. Matter of fact, the good doctor would be the first human being I would meet (although that moment escapes me now days).

Dr. Howar would be the physician who would for the next 15 years tend to my mishaps. A broken finger, a concussion, flu, fevers, stitches, and various other mishaps.

Everyday walking home from school I walked by his office. Then came the word from my mother that was disheartening. Dr. Howar was moving! All I could think was “No he can’t move!” But his life plans were not my plans. He had accepted the position as Executive Director of the Veteran’s Hospital in Cheyene, Wyoming.

I so wanted to see him one last time. On my way home from school unannounced I popped into his office building. His nurse, Mary, looked up and said, “Well Dickie how are you? How can I help you?” “Oh, I responded I think I need Dr. Howar to look at my broken finger.” A smile came on her face knowing all to well my finger wasn’t the reason for my visit. “Let me see if Dr. Howar has a minute.”

Shortly Mary came back. “Dickie, come on in.” This was the first time I had ever been in “the office.” “Well Dickie how are you doing? Let me take a look at that finger.” Needless to say my finger was fine. I knew that and he knew that. What proceeded would be my heartfelt good-bye.

Years later as a young adult I was driving near the Cheyene Veteran’s Hospital. Time for a house call. I entered the hospital and told the secretary I was there to see Dr. Howar. “Do you have any appointment,” she inquired. “No maam, but he knows me.” “Well, you can’t see the Dr. without an appointment.” After a few minutes of “No you can’t” and “Yes I can” the secretary called Dr. Howar.

“Dr. Howar, I have a gentleman here who said he’d like to see you.” His name is…what’s your name…Dickie Creek. His name is Dickie Creek.” “Yes sir.” Mr. Creek the doctor is on his way.” My heart started beating like crazy as the good doctor came down the hall. Needless to say, there were handshakes and hugs.

We visited for several minutes and got caught up with our lives. Then he asked me, “Dickie, what are you doing with your life now days?” “Well, I’m a minister.” He responded, “A minister you say. I’m very proud of you. Let me tell you something. You are entering into one of the most challenging professions there is. There will be great victories and great disappointments. Times you feel very close to God and times when you will wonder where He is. Times you’ll shout for joy and times you’ll just want to quit. Times people like me, a doctor, will turn over to you patients that are near death because there is nothing left for me to do. People will appear to be your friend but, in a flash, turn on you. “

Wanting to end on a high note, there were wonderful thoughts and words of encouragement. Then with a smile on his face he said, “Now go start growing thick skin.” Wow, was he right.

Forty years of ministry has taught me that Dr. Howar was spot on. The highs have been high, and the lows have been low. Sometimes so low it erased the highs.

Being a pastor or minister these days is still a tough and demanding career. I can remember feeling like a dart board with darts being thrown from all directions. Ministry takes its toll on a pastor and his family. The lines get blurred between God, wife, children, friends, birthday parties, ball games, and free time to regroup.

With first hand experience, with the guidance of God Almighty, Shepherd’s Care was born. It’s tough for pastors to admit they need help. Pride often gets in the way. Burnout is not a badge of honor.

Shepherd’s Care offers experienced coaches (pastors), mentors, a lifelong counselor, and awesome resources to support the healing of the wounds a pastor has experienced. There is no cost for the program. Shepherd’s Care is strictly confidential. Our goal is to come alongside and be a friend who cares. Who listens. Who prays.

In the following weeks, I will be posting “Up Close and Personal” pictures and bios of our support team. I will be introducing you to our new Volunteer Coordinator, Jerry Quandt. Much is coming so stay tuned.

Till then, we’re here to walk with you brother.

Richard Creek

Founder & Director of the Kingdom Partnership

www.thekingdompartnership.us / 402.297.6876