One of England’s finest preachers was C.H. Spurgeon. Frequently during his ministry, he was plunged into severe depression, due in part to gout but also for other reasons. In a biography of the “Prince of Preachers”, Arnold Dallimore wrote, “What he (Spurgeon) suffered in those times of darkness we may not know…even his desperate calling on God brought no relief. “There are dungeons,” he said, beneath the castles of despair.”
In the fall of 2013, the Rev. Teddy Parker Jr.’s wife found him in the driveway of their home in Georgia with a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.” Many were stunned.
Parker never believed in suicide and often admonished his parishioners against it.
A few months after Parker’s death in April 2014, then pastor of the Community Bible Church in High Point, North Carolina, Robert McKeehan, 42, was found hanging inside his home. He was the same age as Parker and was also a father of two.
Chuck Hannaford, a clinical psychologist who consults for the Southern Baptist Convention believes the rate of pastor suicides has increased during his 30 years of practice and suggested the problem was worsening.
“Being a pastor is a dangerous job,” he said.
To be honest I don’t recall in my four years of Bible College ever discussing mental health care. Not for pastors, ministers, or congregants. Let alone discussing pastors taking their lives. These were probably taboo, and the stigma ran deep.
Well, its 2023 and times have changed…I hope. For pastors’ mental health care issues from: isolationism, anxiety, depression, drug abuse, pornography, affairs, and yes, the ultimate issue suicide exists.
In the past the church has looked the other way and, in some cases, thought these issues could be prayed away. Afterall, where does the man who walks on water go to for such needed help? In many cases its buried deep, deep inside until it explodes the seams that are holding a life together and then it’s too late.
Back in the late 70’s and at the age of 22, I had the opportunity to visit my old home doctor. Dr. Bruce Howar was now the head of Wyoming’s Veterans Hospital. Dr. Howar brought me into the world so yes, we knew each other.
Rekindling our relationship was a very special treat. “So Dickie,” he asked, “What are you going to do with your life?” “I’m going into the ministry and be a pastor,” I said. There was a moment of contemplation and the good doctor responded. “That my friend is a very noble calling. I’m proud of you. But I must warn you that you’re entering one of the most difficult professions there is in life.”
Little did I know of the truth he was speaking of in our visit.
How did Dr. Howar know of the peaks and valleys, sometimes the dark valleys like King David experienced, would be a part of my career.
Yes, take it from someone who’s been there ministry is tough.
Three years ago, the Lord came to me with an idea of starting a ministry from scratch. A ministry to provide mental health care services for pastors. The need I discovered was overwhelming.
With the expertise and experience of many men of God, “Shepherd’s Care” was created. A ministry that was “built by pastors…for pastors.”
Coaches, mentors, extraordinary resources, church leaders, Bible Colleges, Christian counselors all came together in the construction of Shepherd’s Care.
Day or night Shepherd’s Care is available. A simple telephone call puts things in motion for a pastor to receive compassionate help.
That number is: 402.522.6330 Whether your lonely or on the edge of no return “Shepherd’s Care” is here.
Have questions? Text: 402.297.6876
