Pastoral Suicide

I think suicide is rarely simple to understand - it usually reflects a range of influences, including one's mental state (e.g., depression) and a range of life stressors, which often include both domestic and workplace issues. The workplace stressors can easily become quite overwhelming for several reasons, including administrative demands, demands of difficult-to-please members of the congregation, time demands, and the difficulty establishing normal social relationships.

Regarding the last, it is difficult to be both a friend and a pastor to a person, and pastors often lead relatively lonely lives, particularly if they are single. I think the churches need to be mindful of the difficulties inherent in pastoral ministry and offer support systems for those who are struggling psychologically. As members of congregations, we might be able to help ease their burden by inviting them to join us for meals or other social events.

Steve