Ministry, like every other occupation, has it's up's and down's; it's discouragements and excitements.  But being a pastor  is unique.  As a minister, your entire heart, soul, mind, and body are given over to the care of others.  You get intimately involved in the lives of those you serve.  And it's that intimacy which causes both joy and sorrow. 

 This intimacy opens pastors to great experiences of joy and deep satisfaction.  But it also makes shepherds vulnerable to deep disappointment and pain.  Human nature, being what it is, does not always cooperate with our expectations.

 We knew that ministry would be difficult.  But we also assumed that people in the congregation would quickly set aside differences, work together in basic unity, and put the needs of those around them above their own.

 We knew we weren't perfect – that we'd inevitably make mistakes.  But we assumed that people would overlook or quickly forgive.  It seems that every slight misstep is examined and magnified to the point where it gets completely distorted.

 And perhaps now, as you look around, the landscape looks nothing like what you expected.  You thought you knew where you were; you thought you knew where you were going. 

 Now, disappointed and disheartened, you are becoming more disillusioned and cynical: "What went wrong?"  "How did we end up here?"  "Am I even making a difference?"

 But in your heart, at least somewhere deep within, there is still a spark, a desire, and (Shall we dare say it?) even a bit of passion.

 At PastorCare, we want to help fan that tiny spark back into full flame.  We want to provide help for hurting pastors like you.  We are anxious to talk with you and walk with you through your ministry journey.