Cultivating friendships with those outside of the faith requires vulnerability, authenticity, and patience but can be rewarding in our lives.
Last year, I was struck by a particular set of statistics from Lifeway Research regarding pastors struggling with feelings of loneliness. According to Lifeway Research’s Greatest Needs of Pastors study, more than 1 in 4 pastors (28%) say loneliness or lack of friendship is a mental challenge they face in ministry. But many acknowledge the significance of having close relationships with others.
As a pastor, I see myself in that statistic. So, I encourage pastors to seek out other pastors and build strong friendships that sustain and encourage those in ministry positions. But I’d also like to consider the impact friendships outside the church have on the life of a pastor.
Keep reading this article on Lifeway Research.