While it is understandable that we will have periods of anger and doubt, as expressed in Psalm 22, it is also important for clergy not to neglect the very resources that they have been provided as a means of developing an antibody for the stress of ministry. Towards that end, I want to suggest a practice that draws upon four major resources of the faith that we frequently recommend to others but may neglect to draw upon for our own good.
The four resources are community, Scripture, prayer, and theology. Here is how I would suggest that you make use of these gifts. I would encourage you to form a spiritual partnership with two to three other pastor colleagues. Pick out partners in the ministry that you feel you can trust and would be interested in sharing in some mutual up-building. Together you schedule a meeting that will take place at least once a month for up to two hours at a time. Meet in a place that is comfortable and sufficiently private that you can share honestly with each other. It is probably good if food is involved.
By agreement, each of you will bring one Scripture passage that speaks to you about what is happening in your ministry. It is a passage that you think might be valuable to probe in relation to whatever you are experiencing currently in your pastorate and life.
As you gather, you spend a half-hour in catching up with whatever is on your minds. If you are sharing a lunch or breakfast, this time may be extended somewhat. Following that time of sharing, you each will identify your Scripture passage and allow the others to help you in listening for what God may be saying to you and where God may be in your life and ministry at this time. With two or three others, this may take a half-hour or more.
Then, having tried to listen to God through Scripture, you enter a time of mutual prayer for at least fifteen minutes, praying about what you have heard or what you want to hear and about any personal challenges that each of you are experiencing.
Finally you spend at least a half-hour identifying and discussing a theological issue that if properly understood, would speak to or challenge growth in your respective congregations. What would it mean for the members of your congregation to take seriously the truth of atonement, forgiveness, sovereignty of God, etc.
Repeatedly, at least once a month, you are drawing on the strength of community, Scripture, prayer, and theology to nurture your ministry.
