Equip
Today, Pastors are facing unprecedented challenges, obstacles, and conflicts.
"Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates
higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while
their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could."
higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while
their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could."
-According to the New York Times (August 1, 2010)
The purpose of the church is “for the equipping of the saints for the working of ministry…”
(Eph 4:12), but who is equipping the Pastor?
(Eph 4:12), but who is equipping the Pastor?
Who is ministering to the Shepherd?
Evidence that demands an answer:
- 90% of Pastors say their Bible School/Seminary Training did not prepare them for
what they face day-to-day in their church. 1 - Nationally, 1,500 Pastors leave the ministry each month due to burnout, moral failure,
or conflict in the church. 1 That’s 18,000 per year! - Though they felt called, 50% of Pastors leave the ministry within 5 years of their
first pastorate position. 1 - 7,000 churches close each year in the US. 2
- 70% of Pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor. 2
- 95% of Pastors do not regularly pray with their spouses. 2
- 80% of Pastors spend less than 15 minutes a day in prayer. 2
- 70% of Pastors only spend time studying the Bible when they are
preparing sermons. 2
3CA was birthed out of a vision by a Pastor for Pastors— a vision to provide an oasis of
refreshment and restoration, a “home” for relationships and fellowship, and a base for
instruction, resources, and mentoring.
refreshment and restoration, a “home” for relationships and fellowship, and a base for
instruction, resources, and mentoring.
It is time to turn the trend. It is time to unite. It is time for victory!
1 - Pastoral Mentoring Network, Dr. Paul Johnson
2 - Marantha Life’s Life-Line for Pastors, http://maranathalife.com/lifeline/stats.htm,
Copyright © 2002 by Richard A. Murphy, Maranatha Life, All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2002 by Richard A. Murphy, Maranatha Life, All rights reserved.
Bishop J.C. Church has been uniquely gifted by God to effectively influence leaders and
laity alike in the Body of Christ. His local and global vision to impart leadership strategy
and to strengthen, affirm, and equip the Body of Christ is unparalleled.
laity alike in the Body of Christ. His local and global vision to impart leadership strategy
and to strengthen, affirm, and equip the Body of Christ is unparalleled.
I have personally been challenged, encouraged, and changed by the authentic
demonstration of love, and care in wisdom that God has entrusted to him.
demonstration of love, and care in wisdom that God has entrusted to him.
Bishop J.C. Church is without question a last day voice that God is using in this last day.
Pastor Barry Clardy, Princeton Pike Church of God
