Have you ever stopped to think about who your pastor turns to when life gets hard? Ministry leaders carry the struggles of others while often facing pressures, expectations, and challenges of their own. This can have a ripple effect on you, the person in the pew: Healthy ministry leaders → healthier churches → stronger communities of believers → greater impact for God’s Kingdom. But the reverse is also true: unhealthy ministry leaders ultimately produce unhealthy churches with less impact for God’s Kingdom. 

My guest, Joanne Beckwith, spent 45 years as a pastor’s wife and now serves with Standing Stone Ministry, where she and her husband Dave, come alongside pastors, spouses, and ministry leaders, to  “shepherd the shepherds”.  In this conversation, Joanne gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the realities ministry families face and shares simple, practical ways we can support them. You don’t have to be in ministry for this episode to matter. If you’re part of a church, there’s something here for you.

Fun Fact: Did you know that October is “Pastor “Appreciation” month?

Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:03:30 - A Lifeline for Ministry Leaders

0:05:33 - Support Beyond the Retreat

0:10:30 - Confidential Care Can Restore

0:14:47 - Trade Expectations for Encouragement

0:25:05 - Small Acts Make a Big Difference

What We Talk About

• How Standing Stone Ministry began and why it exists
• Why pastors and ministry leaders need confidential support
• The emotional and spiritual pressures that come with ministry
• Unrealistic expectations placed on pastors and their families
• Why pastors’ spouses and children need our prayers too
• The difference encouragement and affirmation can make
• How Standing Stone provides support at no cost to ministry leaders
• Practical ways church members can encourage their pastors
• Why investing in healthy ministry leaders strengthens the entire church

Three Simple Ways to Support Your Pastor and Ministry Leaders

1. Pray for them.

Pray not only for your pastor, but also for their spouse and children. Ministry families face real-life struggles just like everyone else.

1. Encourage them specifically.

Write a note. Tell them what you appreciate. Thank them for the ways their ministry has impacted your life. A little affirmation can go a long way.

1. Give them grace.

Take your pastor off the pedestal. Don’t expect one person to meet everyone’s idea of what a pastor should be. Allow them the freedom to follow God’s calling rather than trying to meet impossible expectations.

The Ripple Effect:

Healthy ministry leaders → healthier churches → stronger communities of believers → greater impact for God’s Kingdom.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith.

Connect with Joanne:

Standing Stone Ministry Website: www.standingstoneministry.org

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/