It feels like more and more we’re confronted with the growing reality that more people are choosing suicide as a way out of severe depression and anxiety. It hit very close to home recently when a lead pastor in California took his own life.

At some point, I probably bought into the idea that pastors were somehow superhuman and above such things as depression, anxiety, addiction, and mental illness. Society has turned the contemporary pastor into kind of a rock star with unrealistic expectations of what he should or should not be or do.

I’m beginning to understand that the role of pastor isn’t for the faint of heart. In fact, it’s impossible unless a person is called and equipped by God through the Holy Spirit. Even then, there are times when it can be overwhelmingly stressful.

Maybe this is a call for all of us to pray for our pastors and church leaders. Maybe it’s a wakeup call for us to realize that we are all called and sent, not just the ones who get paid for it. We can’t expect one person or one small group of people to do all the work.

The Great Commission isn’t for a select few. It’s for all of us.

I read this open letter than Kayla Stoecklein, wife of Pastor Andrew Stoecklein who took his own life, wrote to him. It’s completely heartbreaking but I think it’s something every believer should read to understand the reality of what he suffered through.

http://godsgotthis.org/post/177492799313/to-my-andrew-its-only-been-3-days-nothing-can

I’m reminded of something Ruth Bell Graham said about when a believer takes his or her own life. She said that when a child of God ends their life, God hasn’t called them home but welcomes them home just the same.

If you’re one of the ones who battle depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, do not struggle alone. Find someone to confide in and get help.