Counseling for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
North Woods Christian Counseling, LLC is founded and directed by Mark Odland – MA, LMFT, MDIV. Mark is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and former ordained minister. He and his therapy team are committed to delivering competent and sensitive care from a Christian perspective, meeting each client where they are at in their process of healing.
In addition to our graduate studies in counseling, our therapists also have diverse experiences serving within the church. These experiences help us understand first-hand some of the unique stressors associated with serving in ministry. We understand that in ministry it is easy to become overwhelmed by so many responsibilities including preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and administrative work. Anxiety, depression, workaholism and addiction are commonplace amongst clergy. Often overworked and underpaid, men and women in ministry often develop unhealthy behaviors as a way to cope with stress.
Ministry is often unpredictable, and a pastor is always on call. Just when things seem to be settling down a call comes in the middle of the night…another trip to the hospital, another funeral to plan for, another missed family meal or family vacation cut short. Over time it is easy to suffer from what some call “compassion fatigue,” a kind of numbness that naturally arises to protect a caregiver from being overwhelmed by so much suffering.
Many pastors get only one day off a week if they are lucky, and even this day is hard to protect. As a result the whole family can suffer. Families must not only deal with lack of quality time together, but must also contend with the stress of living under the microscope. While the community may view clergy through rose-colored glasses, at home these ministers are all too human. Facing the same stressors common to any family, emotions are intensified by the pressure to preserve the image of a morally upstanding Christian family.
At North Woods Christian Counseling we work closely with pastors one-on-one to not only stabilize and manage their current stressors, but also to help them heal from the deep emotional wounds of the past; wounds that often prevent them and their families from experiencing deeper connections with each other and with God. In addition to this individual work we also do counseling with clergy and their entire families. The ministry can put great strain on a marriage, especially when the needs of a congregation seem to take precedence over the needs of a pastor’s spouse. Even with the best intentions, the deep bond that first brought a couple together can be eroded over time when basic relational needs are neglected.
The ministry can also be very tough on kids, so much so that there is even a term for it, P.K. (Pastor’s Kid). While some P.K.’s survive unscathed, many will either go down the stereotypical rebellious path, or perhaps even worse, they may hold all the stress and pain inside and develop addictions, eating disorders, or other mental health issues. Receiving quality family counseling while the kids are still in the house can breathe new life into a hurting family. With God’s help, things can change for the better. If you are in the ministry or are a family member of someone in the ministry, we would be honored to help support you on your path towards healing and healthier relationships within a safe and confidential setting.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at 651-243-2484 or click on the button below. We will do our best to contact you within 1 business day.
