Recent studies point to the reality that nearly three out of four parish ministers reported severe stress causing ‘anguish, worry, bewilderment, anger, depression, fear, and alienation ‘. If that is not enough worry, we need to remember helping others has a risk. Caring professionals, such as clergy, may experience the emotional and/or spiritual distress of those with whom they work. It is thought that a condition known as compassion fatigue is a natural, predictable, treatable, and preventable consequence of working with suffering people.

What we have learned at New Trails is that most pastors suffer alone not knowing that there is help, and living with stress and pain is not what God intends for his servants.

At New Trails Ministry, we believe that God has often used the wilderness to not only train but renew his people. If it feels like you are wandering in the wilderness unsure of what is next, or the joy of serving has been replaced with the tedium of a job, or worse a stress-related illness is dogging your steps maybe it is time for a wilderness sabbatical.