by: Jim Schlottman
4/1/2004

When I got off the phone, I was exhausted. The past hour had drained me emotionally. As I had listened to this pastor, I was overwhelmed by the numerous issues that were taking him down. The saddest part was that he was completely oblivious to how many issues he was facing.

When you call Quiet Waters toll-free number 866-5-waters (866-592-8377), I’m the voice on the other end of the conversation. From these conversations, I’ve come to realize that pastors and pastors’ spouses don’t really know when they are under Satan’s attack. They know that something is wrong, but are unable to access what is actually causing them the discomfort and distress. And, they are certain they must correct themselves.

In Romans, Paul says, “Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” [Romans 14:22b (NIV)]

This lack of awareness is expressed well by the note I recently received from a pastor’s wife.

"Before attending the Counseling Intensive, I, as a pastor's wife, was feeling extreme hurt and stress because of the pressures of the pastorate. A denominational leader suggested that my husband and I attend a two-week intensive at Quiet Waters. At first I did not want to go because ‘I can work this out just like all the other times I was frustrated with being a minister's wife’. But I was tired of all the hurt, anger, pain and frustration I had inside and decided to go anyway.”

“As a result (of the Counseling Intensive), I was restored back into spiritual and emotional health. My relationship with our Awesome God was strengthened, the hurt was gone, and I was renewed! In addition I was given tools to take back to my church setting that I can draw upon to stay emotionally and spiritually healthy.”

“My husband and I are planning to attend another two-week intensive next year as an anniversary gift to each other because we have learned the importance of caring for ourselves in order to be all that God has called us to be."

How is your emotional and spiritual health? What are you getting your spouse for an anniversary gift?

If you’re feeling extreme hurt and stress because of the pressures of the pastorate, please give me a call. Quiet Waters vision is to ensure that every Christian leader and their families have a place to seek and find restoration and renewal.