“It’s sh**… I was this close to resigning on Monday”

“It’s sh**… I was this close to resigning on Monday.”

The first words of a church leader as the door closed and we sat alone in his office this afternoon. No pleasantries. No small talk. Just raw honesty—the kind that only surfaces when the weight has become unbearable.

He’s not alone.

Behind the sermons, the smiling Sunday greetings, and the carefully crafted social media posts, many church leaders are silently battling stress, burnout, loneliness, and self-doubt. The demands are relentless: preaching, counselling, administration, leadership, crisis management—and often with little to no support.

It’s no wonder so many are quietly wondering if they can keep going.

The Sacred and Heavy Weight of the Call

Let’s pause and say this clearly: what you do matters.

Leading a church is not just a job—it’s a sacred trust. You carry people’s stories, their grief, their hopes, their questions. You open Scripture and speak into hearts. You walk with people through birth, death, marriage, addiction, joy, and despair. You shepherd souls.

That is no small thing.

The responsibility is both spiritual and intensely practical—casting vision while fixing the boiler, preaching grace while managing rotas, leading prayer while navigating complex personalities. It’s a calling that demands your mind, your heart, your time, your prayers, and often, your tears.

And while God’s grace is sufficient, the cost is real. So too is the need for support.

You are not weak for feeling the weight. You are faithful. You are doing holy work—and holy work still takes its toll.

You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone

At DS Ministry Services, we understand the unique pressures of ministry—because we’ve been there. We're there too. That’s why we’re committed to walking alongside church leaders, not with quick fixes or clichés, but with real, practical support:

• Pastoral Supervision: A safe, confidential space to reflect on your ministry, process what’s happening, and explore healthier ways forward.

• Remote Admin Support: Lighten your workload by outsourcing administrative tasks to trusted virtual assistants who understand church life.

• Leadership Coaching and Consultancy: Whether you’re navigating change, conflict, growth or simply seeking clarity—we’re here to help.

• Training and Resources: Equip yourself and your team with tools to sustain leadership and ministry.

Let’s Talk Before You Burn Out

You don’t have to wait until you’re “this close” to resigning. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or discouraged, reach out. Let’s talk. Let’s make space for you to breathe, recalibrate, and rediscover joy in your calling.

Because the Church needs leaders who are not just surviving—but thriving. And you deserve to be one of them.

Visit dsministry.co.uk or email dave@dsministry.co.uk to find out how we can support you today.

You’re not alone. Let’s walk this road together.