Pastoral Help Form

You know very well the joys of serving in the role of a pastor, but you also know it is a very stressful calling. Pastoral families desperately need time away to rest and recharge.

Many will not take a relaxing vacation because of some of the following reasons:

• I have no other staff to look after the church if I leave.

• The church expects me to be there and/or available.

• I will get criticized if I take a vacation.

• So much can go wrong while I am gone, I just worry the whole time away.

• I can’t afford a vacation.

• There is no clear vacation policy at the church.

Restful vacations are vitally important to the health of the pastor’s family.  We encourage all ministers to balance their lives and to intentionally take time to rest, relax, and enjoy family.

However, some pastors fall into these categories listed below which makes it difficult or prohibits them from taking a break:

• Bi-vocational

• No (or limited) fellow leadership at the church

• Church finances are limited

• Cannot afford a vacation and to pay someone to care for the church

The Missouri District Marriage and Family Ministry wants to come alongside of these pastors to help remove excuses and foster a culture where vacations are expected.

The district is seeking fellow ministers who would be willing to volunteer their time and resources (no expectation of compensation, mileage, lodging, or meals) to help bear the burden of another minister.

The pastor requesting a vacation will fill out a separate form which will be forwarded to the volunteer ministers who have been approved to help and are willing. The approved volunteer ministers will look over the requested dates and duties on that form. Any volunteer minister who can help will email the pastor that they are available. Since the pastor may receive multiple offers, some volunteer ministers may be thanked but their services declined. The pastor will contact the chosen minister volunteer directly to discuss details.

If you are willing to be a part of this service, please fill out the form below and submit it to be put on the approved list.