Fox News recently shared data from Barna’s Resilient Pastor research indicating a concerning decline in the well-being of pastors. From 2015 to 2022, all aspects of their well-being, including spiritual, mental, and emotional dimensions, experienced a significant decrease.

One of the most alarming findings is that pastors are experiencing more loneliness than ever. In 2015, 10% of pastors ranked themselves below average regarding friendship. In 2022, 20% said the same. That means right now one in five pastors feel like they don’t have true friends to receive support from, confide in, and laugh with. The loneliness epidemic among pastors is a serious issue that needs attention. Is it any wonder that as pastors report increasing loneliness, they also report decreasing overall well-being?

That’s why I wrote my book, A Preach Well Church. In it, I argue that church members play a crucial role in prioritizing the well-being of their pastors by encouraging rest and self-care.

So what can church members do?

Here are a few tips that I share in my book:

1. Grant Permission to Rest

Give your pastor permission to rest. Yes, you read that right—permission to rest. Because most pastors are conscientious and hard-working, they may feel guilty or lazy for taking time off. They may worry that they are letting people down or neglecting their duties. That’s why they need you to tell them it’s okay to rest. That it’s not only okay but necessary and beneficial for them and for the church.

Pastor, rest is not a luxury, and self-care is not selfish. They are not indulgent. They are not optional. Rest is not a sign of weakness. It’s not a waste of time. It’s a gift from God. It’s a way of honoring Him and His creation. It’s vital, and, ultimately, it’s biblical. Rest is holy. Get some.

Church members, encourage your pastors to take care of themselves and their families. Remind them that they are not alone. Assure them that you will support them in their time away.

2. Establish Clear Structures

Provide your pastor with opportunities to rest. This means creating a clear structure for days off and vacations for your pastor and making sure he takes them! Don’t make him feel guilty or pressured for missing something. Recognizing limits and setting boundaries prevent burnout.

3. Prepare Lay Leaders or Staff

Churches must prepare lay leaders or staff to cover for their pastor in his absence. Arrange for pulpit supply and pastoral emergency coverage when he is on vacation or sick leave. Train and equip people to handle various aspects of ministry, such as worship, preaching, visitation, and administration. Empower and release people to serve according to their gifts and passions.

These are just some of the ways church members can support and encourage their pastors’ rest and self-care. I address many more ways in my book, but the most important thing is that church members do something.

Pastors may be surrounded by people, but that doesn’t mean they have their support. It takes a church for a pastor to rest well.

If you want to learn more about how to be a Preach Well church, I invite you to check out my book, A Preach Well Church. It’s available on Amazon and Kindle. It’s full of practical insights, biblical principles, and inspiring quotes. It’s a must-read for every church member who wants to support and encourage their pastor.