Partnership provides support for pastors from more than 50,000 Southern Baptist Convention churches
Focus on the Family and the North American Mission Board are partnering to give Southern Baptist pastors a confidential outlet for advice and encouragement from Focus’ team of licensed counselors.
“When people face a crisis, they immediately turn to their pastors for help. But when pastors are struggling themselves, many of them feel there’s nowhere to turn,” said Kim Robinson, Focus board member and senior assistant to the president for the North American Mission Board. “The pastor care line at Focus on the Family gives them a safe place to receive a wide range of support – from prayer to crisis counseling.”
Focus president Jim Daly echoed Robinson’s sentiments: “We recognize the sacrifices and hard work of Southern Baptist pastors. Many of them give up their own time to be there for their flock – giving up holidays to visit with sick people at the hospital, counseling couples through the tough times in their marriages, and helping their congregants pray through milestone decisions. This commitment not only takes time, but it also takes its toll on pastors – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Because they have always been there for others, it’s our privilege to be there for them. Our licensed counselors are eager to provide an ear and biblically based counsel that will help and give hope.”
Pastors will receive referrals for local counselors and recommendations for resources from Focus’ Thriving Pastor outreach and other Southern Baptist materials.
The toll-free pastor care line for Southern Baptist clergy can be reached at 844-PASTOR1 (844-727-8671). It launches on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
To coordinate media interviews, please email Nina.Coppola@fotf.org or call 719-531-3386.
About Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family, which reaches about 238 million people in 130 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. We provide help and resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusontheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter. You can also follow the Focus PR team on Twitter.
About North American Mission Board
The North American Mission Board exists to work with churches, associations and state conventions in mobilizing Southern Baptists as a missional force to impact North America with the gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism and church planting.