When I tell people about what "I do" at Acorn Ministries, I usually get a response something like "that's nice". The tone is usually the same as if I had just announced that I'm wearing a clean shirt today.
Perhaps when you read this excerpt from a blog by Micheal Hyatt you will better understand why "I do" what "I do".
According to an August 2, 2010 article in the New York Times, entitled, “Taking a Break from the Lord’s Work”:
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.”
In addition, PastorBurnout.com reports that:
1. 1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.
2. 75% report severe stress causing anguish, worry, bewilderment, anger, depression, fear, and alienation.
3. 70% don’t have any close friends (this one about makes me cry).
4. 57% would leave the pastorate if they had somewhere else to go or some other vocation they could do.
5. Clergy have the second highest divorce rate among all professions.
This makes the ministry one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. God never intended for us to go it alone.
Acorn Ministries builds up the body of Christ, the Church, one leader at a time.
That's what "I do".
Lon
www.AcornMinistries.com
