Welcome to a series of articles by The Pastor’s Project that will address the mental health issues facing so many pastors today.  Pastors have been seen for generations as those individuals that are the lighthouse for others struggling in the sea of mental health issues.  Little did any of those sitting in the sanctuary listening to their pastor preach dream that it was he who was lost and searching for answers to why he felt like all life was against him.

Depression was once a topic reserved for “other people.”  It certainly was not something those in the ministry experienced right?  My memory may not be what it once was but I do not remember a class in Bible College that addressed the issue of depression…for the pastor.  It’s hard to be a superhero for a congregation if you admit to being overwhelmed with life’s challenges.  Additionally, who can a pastor turn to and ask for help and in doing so and risk losing his job?  It would be more accurate to say that ministers rarely admit that they are depressed.  How could pastors and other ministers who have the call of God on their lives experience that dark valley of depression?

The problem of depression in the ministry is not only real but that it is growing.  The rate of depression among ministers is now higher than the rate of the general population.  

What are the causes of depression in the life of a pastor?  My list of possible causes is not exhaustive but it based upon today’s research and data from several Christian based institutions. 

1. Spiritual warfare.  The enemy does not want God’s servants to be effective in ministry.  Satan will do whatever it takes to hurt ministers and their ministries.
2. Unrealistic expectations.  The expectations and demands upon a pastor are enormous.  They are unrealistic. But if one person’s expectations are not met, that person can quickly let the pastor know he is a failure.
3. Greater platform for critics.  Today’s critics have the visible and pervasive platforms of email, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media.
4. Failure to take time away from the church or place of ministry.  Workaholism leads to burnout.  Burnout leads to depression.
5. Marriage and family problems.  Too often the pastor neglects his family as he cares for the church family.  Many pastor’s wives feel like the church is the other woman in the marriage.
6. Financial strains.  Many of today’s pastors simply do not have sufficient income from their churches they serve.  That financial stress can lead to depression.  Additionally, some pastors do not know how to manage the money they do have, leading to further financial strain.
7. The problem of comparison.  Every pastor and I do mean every pastor, will always know of a church that is larger and more effective.  Every pastor will always know of another pastor who seems more successful.  The comparison game can be debilitating to many pastors.

Next In Part Two:  Seeking to Help and Offer Solutions for Pastors Dealing with Depression