Image by Aditya Grandhi via FlickrFrom time to time, every pastor, missionary, and evangelist faces loneliness in the ministry. In the midst of a crowd, you can feel all alone. After great evangelistic campaigns, and promotions yielding great results a pastor can feel like he has actually gained nothing, but emptiness. How can one deal with these varying types of loneliness? Is there an answer?
Of course, the answer is YES! We know that there is no temptation or trial that is not common to every other person on this earth according to I Corinthians 10:13. In fact, in the same verse, God says that he will help us bear the trial. We know that God is a man of His word! You CAN cope with feeling lonely in the ministry! Below are 5 tips to coping with loneliness in the ministry.
(1 Corinthians 10:13) “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (KJV)
5 Tips To Coping With Loneliness In The Ministry
Tip #1 – Make A List Of Specific Things God Has Done For You Lately!
Whether the source of loneliness is from the death of a spouse, or the loss of a staff member to another ministry, God is always at work in our lives. One way to remind ourselves of this is to make a list of things, SPECIFICALLY, that God has done for us lately! No matter how dark you feel, you will cheer up when reflecting upon God’s goodness!
Tip #2 – Spend More Time in Prayer!
Many times loneliness creeps into our lives because we have neglected our prayer time. My life has always been refreshed when I spent more purposeful time in my prayer closet. The only way I made it through the darkest week of my ministry (thus far) has been through prayer. It is amazing how God’s presence can be felt when getting alone and pouring out your soul before Him.
Tip #3 – Meditate Upon The Scriptural Fact That You ARE Not Alone!
God’s word is our one source of objective help in the midst of uncertainty and loneliness. Faith is increased in our lives as we fill ourselves with God’s HOLY WORD! Though there are many passages we could mention, there is one verse that should serve to put a spring back into your step. Consider John 14:16…
(John 14:16) “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” (KJV)
Tip #4 – Spend Quality Time With A Friend In The Ministry!
Nobody knows a preacher like another preacher. When loneliness begins to paralyze you, be sure to call or visit a friend in the ministry. Even a few moments can mean everything! Usually you can bare your soul and get things off of your chest. Take advantage of this opportunity to get loneliness out of your way… for the moment!
Tip #5 – Make A List Of Needy People Who Need A Visit And Go Minister To Them!
Believe it or not, the best way to combat loneliness, in a very practical way, is to serve others. Sit down a make a list of needy people that you know. Go and spend some quality time with them and see if you don’t stop feeling empty and lonely! Several of the widows in my home church have done this very thing. While this does not remove the void entirely, they do find that it helps them cope better! Pastor, you are no different!
Conclusion…
While there is no quick fix to this issue sometimes, it is very important that one does not cover it up. Facing loneliness is the only way to deal with it, and the only answer for it is God!
Please share how you have dealt with loneliness in the ministry!
