In my last post I discussed the growing concern about depression in the ministry. Just this week Pew Research reported that 72% of Americans no longer believe that the church is an influencer in society. Couple that statistic with the fact that 50,000 churches will look for a new pastor within the next twelve months and you have the ingredients of rapid pastoral transitions in search of meaning within their calling. Thom Rainer reported this week also that it takes 86 church members twelve months to gain one new convert for Christ. That is cause for concern!

So, is depression a verb? Is it something that we are doing and if we are doing, then can we stop it? SO THAT I DO NOT MISREPRESENT this topic let me state here and now – depression in any profession is a serious matter! There is no cookie cutter approach to this serious topic. Think about it – leaders in corporations that are depressed can influence the outcomes of subordinates’ lifestyles. Ministers that are depressed proclaiming a “Good News” message may, if we are not careful, influence people’s hope for eternity.

So the question – Is depression a verb? Is it something that you start or stop by altering activity? What are some solutions to this concern? I want to offer suggestions on dealing with this topic and I am not attempting to be comprehensive so much as I desire to provoke thought that will lead to action and resolve.

• At the top of the list for me is to see your Doctor. There is something to be said about a regular check-up and blood work. Our chemical makeup is designed to work harmoniously in a delicate balance of life. It is amazing at how the small thyroid gland can greatly influence mood and demeanor. See you doctor!
• If necessary see a licensed mental health counselor. There are a number of great counselors that approach their profession within a Judeo-Christian perspective. Research, ask questions for referrals, and do your homework in this area. Depression has tentacles that reaches everything from the current back to your childhood. A professional is needed to explore these matters.
• Get CONNECTED to a Christian Coach. Unfortunately, “coaching” has taken a bad rap these days because there is a coach for everything in life. HOWEVER, I am talking about a coach that will assist you in your awareness of where you are in life and who you are in life, guiding you to solutions and action steps that are within you. Coaching to do what I did and get what I got approach is not coaching at all in the truest sense. I believe that every minister who is serious about their calling should be connected to a quality coach. Research in this area will require some time to locate and then connect with a coach. I believe this is more a “long view” approach to ministry and not meant to be a quick fix.
• At the simplest of choices do a self examination of your life-patterns and rhythms. It is amazing at the things we know we should change but habits propel us forward and in fact we create some of our own misery. Have the courage to change things of your life that you cannot in fact change. Be disciplined in all aspects of your life.

Finally so that we do not over look the obvious – the power of meditation and scripture infused with the work of the Holy Spirit in our life will accomplish miraculous things. Here are fifteen (15) scriptures (ESV) to reflect upon as you pray.

Featured Verse

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, what is true, whatever is honorable, what is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

God Never Loses Sight of You

1. Deuteronomy 31:8 “…It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
2. Deuteronomy 32:10 “In a desert land he found me, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye.”
3. Psalm 34:17 “When the righteous cry for help the Lord hears and delivers them out of their troubles.”
4. Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”

Your Trust and Hope is in Him; call Upon Him

1. Psalm 3:3 “But you O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
2. Psalm 32:10 “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the ones who trust in the Lord.”
3. Psalm 37:3-4 ” Trust in the Lord, and do good, dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
4. Psalm 42:11 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
5. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon him; be careth for you.”

He Has Great Plans For You

1. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
2. John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
3. Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
4. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
5. 1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trail when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”

This article is designed to provoke thought and possible action steps toward solutions. What are your thoughts? Share them below and let us begin a dialogue. I will answer and remark on each comment.