Brian’s Perspective - Old Blog

Does Ministry Fuel Addictive Behavior? - LeadershipJournal.net

Thanks to Brian Nicklaus for showing me this article from Leadership Journal on addiction and emotional problems in the ministry. After describing her own journey through her ex-husbands addiction while he was a pastor, Morgenthaler then discusses what addiction is, how to spot it, and how the church contributes to a ministers addictions. That’s right, how the church contributes to it.

I have several close friends who are ministers with whom I can talk about anything, even the struggles that I have. We all lament the fact that congregations cannot envision a human preacher or minister. A preacher with a problem is more like a cancer to be removed before it spreads than a wound to be bound and healed. If you don’t think you agree with me, read Sally Morgenthaler’s article, then reflect on how your congregation/denomination has treated ministers and then be honest.

As she closes her article, she offers hope to those in ministry who may be struggling. If you are struggling, get help. Don’t let the church scare you from doing what must be done. Your soul is too important.

May God bless you.