What Happens to You Matters to Us

I am a "pastor to pastors." I have worn this title since November 1991, when I joined the staff of Focus on the Family. I had been a pastor for 31 years when, after conversation and prayer with Dr. and Mrs. James Dobson, I was given the privilege of making a career change.

You may wonder what a pastor to pastors does. I don't mean to be trite, but my assignment is to serve you and your family in a manner similar to how you serve your constituents.

I regularly speak to ministers, their spouses and their children in person and on the phone. I answer their letters. I pray with them. I hurt with them in failure and rejoice with them in success. Sometimes I walk with them in their brokenness when carelessness and sin have caused them to fall.

There are times I put down the telephone, having talked to a struggling spouse, and I cry because I can't take away the loneliness or wipe away the tears. Often when a pastor calls, I can tell by the sound of my colleague's voice that he or she has lost a battle — and a ministry.

During my many years with Focus on the Family, I have seen and heard it all where the minister's family is concerned. But that is why I am in love with the work I do. The need is so real.

I am not being presumptuous when I say I want to be your pastor. I want you to understand that I am available to you, as are other members of the Focus on the Family's Pastoral Ministries team. We are sincere when we say that what happens to you matters to us.

Please get in touch with us. To give your reaction to this blog, simply click the "comments" link below. If you have a crisis, contact our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at 866-233-4455. For other inquiries or business needs, phone us at 719-531-3360. Or you can e-mail us at pastors@family.org, or write us at Pastoral Ministries, Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995-7001. Be sure to visit our Web site, The Parsonage.

Thank you for allowing us to join you in this exciting new venture. I look forward to sharing a long and meaningful relationship with you.

Comments

[Scott Couchenour]

I agree the pastorate is a unique profession in great need of a constant, intentional lifestyle integration of balance and self care.

The research you have done points to a great need among those who help people - to take care of themselves on an ongoing manner.

Thanks for the blog.

Scott A. Couchenour
Life Balance Coach To People Who Help People
www.servingstrong.com
www.servingstrong.typepad.com

[Rev. John J. Goodwin]

I enjoy everything you write Rev. London. I also know that you have, along with others, referred to you as a "Pastor To Pastor." I have ben hurt a great deal in the ministry and choose to use my wounds to help others. I too have a great desire for pastors to be pastored and ministered in a way that is unique with their status. However, please take no offense, I am wondering if, say I were to share with you personally, H.B. London, my struggles if you personally would care. Most of my wounds have come from the clergy whom I loved and continue to love and pray for. Keep the Blog going! It is great reading.