Here are a couple of important questions, with my personal responses. What would you say?

1. Do you think ministry is getting harder, and if so, why do you think it is getting harder to serve as ministry leaders today?

I believe that social media has caused greater numbers of extremely shallow friendships. It is possible to have thousands of online “friends” but not a single one who is close enough to talk to. I believe that men in general currently have a warped view of male friendships, exacerbated by the profligation of LGBTQ thinking, which has in some sense wrecked healthy male love (think David & Jonathan). 

Additionally, I note that the internet has made it possible for anyone and everyone to hear “the best” speakers and pastors today, which pushes the average pastor to unfair comparisons, and feelings of inadequacy. 

I think that the idolization of money and things pushes people to work more hours than necessary and spend less time with people who matter. 

I see that the instant gratification of access to millions of videos on netflix, dish tv, youtube, and twitch etc. has made entertainment, amusement, and relaxation a greater and easier priority than ever before. 

At the same time, one can learn nearly anything online, requiring almost no mentoring or “late-night appliance emergency” call to a friend or relative. 

I also believe that the “snowflake” generation is a real phenomenon, in which younger people don’t have the fortitude built by doing hard things. 

2. What can we do to help leaders who are struggling?

We need to look for, teach, and encourage strong, healthy, christ-centered friendships. These should occur within a minister’s church, and with other ministers in distant areas. 

We need to “check-in” with our friends on a regular basis, and find others who will do the same for us. 

We can work on writing more biblically sound resources, and make sure that they are widely available. 

We need to have the mindset: Everyone needs a Paul (mentor), Barnabas (peer/friend), and Timothy (disciple)

I would like to share a couple of links to my friend, Dr. Daniel Berger. He has both psychology and Bible degrees, but does not promote integrationist ideas. He came to Peru and spoke for us a few months ago. He has a number of books and podcast episodes. 

My application question for my minister friends: How do you personally seek out and cultivate strong friendships with church members, neighbors, or others in ministry?