Ben Hedgspeth

How do I handle stress and anxiety as a Pastor?

If I ask you, as a pastor/minister, to recount some of your top anxious or stressful moments, there are probably things that come up that you hoped to never think about again. I know those feelings, too.

But, as Pastors, we also know that there are things we must walk through in order to give direction on from God’s Word so that we can speak not “in theory” but from practical experience. We have the opportunity to speak from the wisdom that only comes by walking through hardship, a trial or a new experience with God.

For example, a young, unmarried Pastor may feel awkward talking about marriage or parenting because those are things he hasn’t experienced yet. He has theoretical understanding, but no practical experience to back that up. And you and I both know that means some people will disregard what he says simply for that reason.

If we’re expositing the text properly, that becomes less of a concern because we are simply relaying what God has told us in His Word on the matter, and the authority comes from Him, not us, in any case you might consider. Personal experience notwithstanding, the Word has the final word and holds all authority on the matter. I don’t have to experience something first in order to be able to speak from the Word on it.

But, there is something special about the incarnation here. Hebrews and Isaiah both speak specifically into the nature of Jesus’ suffering, and that we can identify with Him in it. Since He took on flesh and walked this earth He made, we can see that He knows our hurts. His deity affirms His omniscience, He already understood our hurts. But in walking them out in a way that is tangible to us, He has shown us a great mercy. We know He knows.

So, as Pastors, when we can echo that knowing to people who are hurting, it helps them to connect the heart behind what we’re teaching and preaching, or what is shared in counseling to their own situations. That means we cannot push those feelings down and hope they go away. We need to address them in a healthy and intentional way that seeks God’s wisdom and counsel. Wisdom is gained not by experience, but by experiencing things under the guidance of God. What does His counsel say? What direction does He give? How is He redeeming this hurt (Job 36:15)?

Here are some practical steps we, as Pastors/Ministers/Leaders, can take to begin to address stress and anxiety in our own lives.

1. Share the Burden with God and Others

  • Pastors carry heavy emotional and spiritual loads, but God never intended for us to carry them alone. Not only should we cast our cares on God, but we should also share our struggles with trusted leaders and peers who can help bear the load.
  • Scripture: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
  • Brief Thought: Seeking help from fellow pastors or mentors builds strength, offering the support you need while allowing others to fulfill Christ’s command to share the burdens of ministry.

2. Lean on Community for Encouragement and Support

  • Isolation can intensify stress and anxiety, especially in ministry. Being in community with other believers and seeking counsel from trusted pastors can provide much-needed encouragement and practical advice for dealing with challenges.
  • Scripture: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Brief Thought: Surround yourself with those who can encourage you through the struggles. Having a network of fellow pastors or spiritual mentors helps to uplift you in times of anxiety and pressure.

3. Seek Wisdom and Counsel from Fellow Pastors

  • Pastoral ministry can feel overwhelming, but there is wisdom in seeking guidance from those who have walked a similar path. Finding a mentor or being part of a pastor’s group can provide wisdom and insight into how to handle stress effectively.
  • Scripture: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14
  • Brief Thought: Don’t try to handle everything on your own. Surrounding yourself with wise counselors not only brings safety but helps you navigate stressful situations with discernment and strength.

Don’t let fear and pride keep you isolated, silent and in an unhealthy space. Seek out help, and let those who help you develop a plan to talk with your spouse, your leadership team, and any other points of support you may need. You are not alone.

And if you don’t have anyone to talk with, you can always reach out to me here. You are not alone, not for a moment. No matter what lies the enemy and anxiety are whispering to you…you are not alone.

If you’re dealing with deeper and darker thoughts, you can call my friends at
1-800-525-5683.
It’s a whole team of Pastors who’ve seen a lot of stuff in ministry, and they would love to serve you. If you’re dealing with suicidal thoughts, no matter what time it is, they’re on call.
Just reach out.

Practical Resources for Pastors:

  1. Seek out retreats that specialize in hosting Pastors. There are free options all over the U.S..
    • Look to Christian Camps in their off season, ask about taking a personal retreat on their grounds.
    • There are houses of Refuge for Pastors in different parts of the country. Ask other pastors in your area if they know of any. Here’s an example.
    • Free Pastor’s Retreats at The Cove
    • Check on regional monasteries that offer space for retreatants like this.
  2. Seek out Biblical counseling. Someone has to pastor the pastor, and counsel the counselor.
  3. Read books that are -for your own healing-. Tim Challies has a great list to start sorting through.

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