all issues, and directing the pastor to preach authentic messages based on his personal growth testimony.

Appropriate teaching on the proper place of the pastor in the context of the congregation is also necessary, as well as teaching on what the actual duties or the pastor and his wife are (after prayerful consideration of their gift-mix).

But, the greatest step ea

Mary Winkler was accused of shooting her preacher husband with a shot-gun as he stood in the hallway of the home they shared with their three young children. This week Mary was found guilty of manslaughter which carries a prison term of 3-6 years.

Mary claimed that her husband both physically and verbally abused her. She also denied that she was pre-meditated in her actions and that the shotgun fired accidentally.

The bigger story here seems to be that Mary Winkler was a committed Christian married to a pastor who was loved and respected by the community yet still felt it necessary (and somewhat okay) to shoot her husband and flee with their children.

But an even bigger story emerges when we look at the statistics for pastor's wives as reported by several reputable Christian ministries (Campus Crusade and Focus on the Family as reported by Newsweek, April 23, 2007 issue):

• 80% of pastor's wives feel left out, unappreciated, and underqualified
• 88% of pastor's wives have felt depression
• Pastors divorce at about the same rate as the national average; 50%

A pastor/leader must appropriately calendar in times of weekly rest, monthly down time, and regular vacations in the same way that every person with any responsibility must do.

The church the pastor is leading must make sure that the pastor's marriage, family, and finances are in good shape AND getting better each year. This can be done through developing leadership, open dialogue on all issues, and directing the pastor to preach authentic messages based on his personal growth testimony.

Appropriate teaching on the proper place of the pastor in the context of the congregation is also necessary, as well as teaching on what the actual duties or the pastor and his wife are (after prayerful consideration of their gift-mix).

But, the greatest step eac

ons and that the shotgun fired accidentally.

The bigger story here seems to be that Mary Winkler was a committed Christian married to a pastor who was loved and respected by the community yet still felt it necessary (and somewhat okay) to shoot her husband and flee with their children.

But an even bigger story emerges when we look at the statistics for pastor's wives as reported by several reputable Christian ministries (Campus Crusade and Focus on the Family as reported by Newsweek, April 23, 2007 issue):

• 80% of pastor's wives feel left out, unappreciated, and underqualified
• 88% of pastor's wives have felt depression
• Pastors divorce at about the same rate as the national average; 50%

A pastor/leader must appropriately calendar in times of weekly rest, monthly down time, and regular vacations in the same way that every person with any responsibility must do.

The church the pastor is leading must make sure that the pastor's marriage, family, and finances are in good shape AND getting better each year. This can be done through developing leadership, open dialogue on all issues, and directing the pastor to preach authentic messages based on his personal growth testimony.

Appropriate teaching on the proper place of the pastor in the context of the congregation is also necessary, as well as teaching on what the actual duties or the pastor and his wife are (after prayerful consideration of their gift-mix).

But, the greatest step ea

as reported by several reputable Christian ministries (Campus Crusade and Focus on the Family as reported by Newsweek, April 23, 2007 issue):

• 80% of pastor's wives feel left out, unappreciated, and underqualified
• 88% of pastor's wives have felt depression
• Pastors divorce at about the same rate as the national average; 50%

A pastor/leader must appropriately calendar in times of weekly rest, monthly down time, and regular vacations in the same way that every person with any responsibility must do.

The church the pastor is leading must make sure that the pastor's marriage, family, and finances are in good shape AND getting better each year. This can be done through developing leadership, open dialogue on all issues, and directing the pastor to preach authentic messages based on his personal growth testimony.

Appropriate teaching on the proper place of the pastor in the context of the congregation is also necessary, as well as teaching on what the actual duties or the pastor and his wife are (after prayerful consideration of their gift-mix).

But, the greatest step ea

ader must appropriately calendar in times of weekly rest, monthly down time, and regular vacations in the same way that every person with any responsibility must do.

The church the pastor is leading must make sure that the pastor's marriage, family, and finances are in good shape AND getting better each year. This can be done through developing leadership, open dialogue on all issues, and directing the pastor to preach authentic messages based on his personal growth testimony.

Appropriate teaching on the proper place of the pastor in the context of the congregation is also necessary, as well as teaching on what the actual duties or the pastor and his wife are (after prayerful consideration of their gift-mix).

But, the greatest step ea

all issues, and directing the pastor to preach authentic messages based on his personal growth testimony.

Appropriate teaching on the proper place of the pastor in the context of the congregation is also necessary, as well as teaching on what the actual duties or the pastor and his wife are (after prayerful consideration of their gift-mix).

But, the greatest step each of us can take in order to make sure our pastor, his wife, and his children are safe is to consistently mature ourselves through hearing and following the voice of the True Pastor.

You thought I was going to say 'pray' didn't you? Prayer is great and necessary but I truly believe the best action you can take is to follow God's voice, finding your life in Christ and not the words of any leader regardless of how articulate and wise they may be.

This very simple determination to follow the Great Shepherd in one move releases your pastor from the pressure you will surely and inappropriately place on him. Jesus is your guide.

Your pastor is a sheep just like you who occasionally wears the cloak of a shepherd so do not be fooled into thinking more highly of him/her then you should. You will damage them and severely limit your walk with God.

Pastors are guides pointing to the True Shepherd. Please let your pastors know that you love them, support them, and release them from any inappropriate pressure you have placed them under.

And, next time one of them fails please find time to repent yourself.