Should A Minister Be Able To Preach?

[BrotherEastman]

Question, does anyone here believe that a minister who suffers from depression be able to minister? If not, should he turn in his license?

I only ask, because if a preacher is going through major depression, maybe he shouldn't be preaching to a bunch of happy people. Does his depression negate the "call of God"? Should he sit and seek council if he is mentally ill?

I know this might be a dumb thread, but in light of some ex pentecostals who obviously had issues, I was wondering if this was Gods way of sitting a minister down.

[Brother Price]

The call of God is sacred. But, man must be obedient to the call. If a man is doing what the Lord has called him to do, despite his own feelings and emotions, God will bless and anoint that man abundantly!

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Question, does anyone here believe that a minister who suffers from depression be able to minister? If not, should he turn in his license?

I only ask, because if a preacher is going through major depression, maybe he shouldn't be preaching to a bunch of happy people. Does his depression negate the "call of God"? Should he sit and seek council if he is mentally ill?

I know this might be a dumb thread, but in light of some ex pentecostals who obviously had issues, I was wondering if this was Gods way of sitting a minister down.

Im disappointed. I thought this would be another topic. The topic I thought this was about is does the word "minister" mean someone has to preach...

An alter worker is a minister, even though he may never preach, he or she I should say....they minister when they pray with a seeker...

Depression does not necessarily prevent someone from hearing from God or ministering, though they may really NOT feel like doing it

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Brother Price

The call of God is sacred. But, man must be obedient to the call. If a man is doing what the Lord has called him to do, despite his own feelings and emotions, God will bless and anoint that man abundantly!

What if he is to depressed to obey Gods call?

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Im disappointed. I thought this would be another topic. The topic I thought this was about is does the word "minister" mean someone has to preach...

An alter worker is a minister, even though he may never preach, he or she I should say....they minister when they pray with a seeker...

Depression does not necessarily prevent someone from hearing from God or ministering, though they may really NOT feel like doing it

Sorry to disappoint you Prax. You are right, one doesn't necessarily have to preach to minister.

[AmazingGrace]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Question, does anyone here believe that a minister who suffers from depression be able to minister? If not, should he turn in his license?

I only ask, because if a preacher is going through major depression, maybe he shouldn't be preaching to a bunch of happy people. Does his depression negate the "call of God"? Should he sit and seek council if he is mentally ill?

I know this might be a dumb thread, but in light of some ex pentecostals who obviously had issues, I was wondering if this was Gods way of sitting a minister down.

Just had the funniest thought!!! Have you ever met a pastor going thru a building program? Or a pastor of a home missions church? Or an Evangelist who is wondering where the next invite will be? Seriously this is really kind of an odd question because first of all we know that with ministry comes trials and not everyone is just all jumpin for joy during some of those trials... we all get depressed a little bit when things arent going too great???? So if the going gets tough and we get depressed a little bit then do we run or do we press on through it?

I know there is a difference between serious depression and all but still... I think Bro E needs to look at the bigger picture

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Originally Posted by AmazingGrace

Just had the funniest thought!!! Have you ever met a pastor going thru a building program? Or a pastor of a home missions church? Or an Evangelist who is wondering where the next invite will be? Seriously this is really kind of an odd question because first of all we know that with ministry comes trials and not everyone is just all jumpin for joy during some of those trials... we all get depressed a little bit when things arent going too great???? So if the going gets tough and we get depressed a little bit then do we run or do we press on through it?

I know there is a difference between serious depression and all but still... I think Bro E needs to look at the bigger picture

Ministers who lose a spouse would be depressed indeed.

Now, getting some Pastors to admit depression and SEEK help is another story......

What if studying God's word and edifying others is the way they stave off the depression?

Should they quit and give up all hope? Wouldn't that make the depression worse?

Yeah... take away one of the things that gives them joy. That'll help them with their depression! That'll show 'em! How dare they get depressed!??!?!? You get the tar! I'll get the feathers!



Dumb idea...

[AmazingGrace]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

What if studying God's word and edifying others is the way they stave off the depression?

Should they quit and give up all hope? Wouldn't that make the depression worse?

Yeah... take away one of the things that gives them joy. That'll help them with their depression! That'll show 'em! How dare they get depressed!??!?!? You get the tar! I'll get the feathers!



Dumb idea...

I totally agree

[Encryptus]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Question, does anyone here believe that a minister who suffers from depression be able to minister?

B.E.,

Personally know G.C. quality evangelists who preached great revivals while in the grip of suicidal depression.

For some reason depression is equated to SAD.

In most cases even clinical depression the person has a flat affect. More often than not its symptoms include LACK of emotion.

Can an experienced evangelist preach through it? Yes

SHOULD they? Totally different question.

However, until Evangelicals as a whole get better educated on the issue. It will continue to be masked, and hidden.

Yes, it is wrong for a Christian to remain in a mental state of sadness. But more often than not clinical depression involves a treatable chemical imbalance.

If your faith allows you to take heart medicine, or insulin for diabetes then you should not hesitate to seek professional medical help.

Should one continue to minister? Impossible to answer, must be evaluated on a case by case basis.