Pastors often shepherd the souls of their congregation to the neglect of their own. Read below as Sandy Marks offers a helpful reminder of the need for pastors to care for their own souls first.
It’s easy for many pastors to take care of everyone else’s soul and neglect your own. You prep the messages. You make the visits. You lead the team. But slowly your personal time with Jesus gets squeezed, your margins disappear and your soul begins running on fumes.
But hear this clearly: Your soul is not a side hustle. It’s not a luxury or an afterthought. It’s not something you tend to when the church calendar slows down (spoiler: it won’t). Your soul is the well you draw from for everything — leadership, preaching, parenting, compassion, clarity.
Jesus asked, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). That question isn’t just for the people in the pews. It’s for those of us who preach it too.
Even Jesus, in the height of His ministry, would regularly withdraw to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). He wasn’t hiding from His calling; He was anchoring Himself in the Father. That isn’t weakness. That is wisdom.
So how do we follow His example?
- Start your day with Jesus — for you. Not for a sermon, not for study, but to sit with your Shepherd. Let the Word speak to your heart before it flows from your lips.
- Schedule your soul care. Make space for life-giving rest: prayer walks, journaling, stillness, a Sabbath that actually feels like one.
- Be fully present with your family. Don’t just be physically home. Be emotionally and spiritually engaged. Your spouse and kids need you, not just your leftovers.
- Let someone shepherd you. Pastors are not above needing counsel, encouragement or accountability. Find a soul friend or mentor who knows you, not just “Pastor You.”
Ministry isn’t about doing more, but about abiding deeper (John 15:5). You lead best when your soul is alive, not when you’re running on empty.
You are a leader who is deeply loved by the Father. So live like it. Lead like it. And care for your soul like it actually matters.
Because it does.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your soul care, visit ncbaptist.org/pastoral to find resources and support for pastoral health. You can take the Pastoral Health Assessment to discover if you’re thriving or surviving in ministry, learn about a faith-based counseling service and replenish retreats, and more. Connect with Sandy Marks by emailing smarks@ncbaptist.org.
By Sandy Marks, Pastoral Ministry Strategist
