Discouragement erodes motivation. It makes us feel like things will never work out. It stops momentum and often causes people to reduce efforts or stop trying. Christians become much more susceptible to temptation. Perceived failures in kingdom efforts lead us to doubt God and His promises. Often, we withdraw from God and work less – so we sense failure less. Pastors are no different. They experience discouragement, and feel it magnified due to their office. We battle discouragement by surrounding ourselves with friends who uplift and encourage. But studies show that pastors report having very few close friends and a very high level of discouraging congregational interactions. That’s in every church, not someone else’s. And don’t expect your pastor to admit or announce that. Pastors are not supposed to be discouraged, friendless or hurt by comments. They are. Yours is. Be the friend and encourager that your pastor needs.
Discouragement
