Introduction:

A painful testimony of a pastor breaking under enormous physical, mental, and spiritual strain: “I am appalled at what is required of me! I am supposed to move from sick bed to administrative meeting, to planning, to supervising, to counseling, to praying, to trouble-shooting, to budgeting, to audio systems, to mediation, to worship preparation, to newsletter, to staff problems, to mission projects, to conflict management, to community leadership, to study, to funerals, to weddings, to preaching. I am supposed to be ‘in charge’, but not too in charge—administrative executive, sensitive pastor, skillful counselor, public speaker, spiritual guide, politically savvy, and intellectually sophisticated. And I am expected to be superior, or at least first-rate, in all of them. I am not supposed to be depressed, discouraged, cynical, angry, or hurt. I am supposed to be upbeat, positive, strong, willing, and available. Right now, I am not filling any of these expectations very well…I am tired.” – Rest in the Storm, p.4