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Don’t Pastor Alone

You Can Avoid Pastoring Alone

Pastoring alone was never His plan. Pastoring is designed to be a gospel partnership.

First Coast Churches exists to advance that gospel partnership. This commitment is reflected in our mission, Cultivating partnerships that connect the mission force to the mission field every day.

We see this kind of partnership woven through the text of scripture in at least three ways:

  • A partnership between pastors and Jesus.
    • “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
    • “We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
  • A partnership between pastors themselves. Paul reminds us of our responsibility to
    • “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
    • “Always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel” Philippians 1:4-5
  • A partnership between pastor and people.
    • “And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:11-12

Even with these biblical truths fresh in our minds we know ministry leadership can cause us to feel isolated and alone. These common feelings are verified in recent research.

Research reveals most leaders say they are surrounded by people they feel connected to and a God they can trust

  • 93% of church leaders agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that “I have people in my life I can count on no matter what happens.

  • 82% of pastors agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that “In the midst of this crisis, I feel very connected to my friends and family.

  • 90% of pastors agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that “When I am in crisis, I find my hope in God.

But The Same Research Reveals

  • 51% of church leaders, when asked the question “How isolated are you feeling today?”, said they feel extremely isolated or somewhat isolated.

Do you know your pastor wellness score?

How We Help

At First Coast Churches, we know for most of us ministry in today’s context can feel isolating. It can seem like you are in the perfect storm alone surrounded by huge waves with names like pandemics, masks, vaccine concerns, racial tensions, economic challenges, and political division.

While the storm is real, pastoring alone doesn’t need to be your reality.

First Coast Churches understands the pastor’s world and has designed 4 leadership pathways uniquely for them.  These pathways create a partnership for each major responsibility in a pastor’s ministry.

Pastor, you continuously pour into others. Not pastoring alone means you also must have people who pour into you. Which is where many of us drop the ball. When no one is pouring into the pastor, personally or professionally, over time healthy output stops. It’s difficult to pour anything out of an empty cup. Don’t Pastor Alone!