Why The World Needs More Emotionally Healthy Pastors

Emotionally unhealthy pastors often leave a trail of chaos in their wake, causing harm not only to the individuals they lead but to the organisations they serve. We’ve all heard the tragic stories of leaders with great spiritual authority who fell morally or pastors of world-renowned ministries who misused funds for personal gain.

At the core, there’s often a failure to confront personal brokeness and resolve underlying dysfuction.

And I say that with a deep empathy for pastors, as someone who’s been actively in ministry for over 18 years now. Pastoring is tough. It’s not just a career; it’s a calling—one that comes with significant challenges. You’re expected to be a spiritual leader, speaker, CEO, mentor, social worker, counsellor, and more. It’s a privilege, but it requires a sober mind and a heart willing to pursue both spiritual and emotional growth.

Reflecting on a conversation with a colleague about the pressures of pastoring, I once admitted, “Honestly, I love being a pastor. When the church is healthy, it’s beautiful and beneficial for so many! But when it’s not, it can cause a lot of heartache.” Often, that heartache flows from the top, when a leader becomes more driven by ego than by love.

Ego-driven leaders are prone to misusing their power, engaging in spiritual abuse, and ultimately harming those they’re called to shepherd. This is a far cry from the heart of God.

While this isn’t true for most churches or the many leaders I have had the privilege of serving alongside, we have to ask—what keeps them healthy and rooted in Christ?

What keeps their moral compass pointing true north? I’d say it’s a combination of both emotional and spiritual maturity. As Author Peter Scazzero proposed, “It’s impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.”

Emotionally healthy pastors understand that spiritual growth must be paired with emotional wholeness and character development. Without this balance, others suffer.

Healthy pastors build their spirits through prayer, studying the Word, partaking in communion, and seeking the Holy Spirit. But they also tend to their souls by developing self-awareness, processing past hurts, engaging in therapy, growing emotional intelligence, and focusing on relational maturity.

Here are 5 markers of an Emotionally Healthy Leader

1. Emotionally Healthy Leaders Are Committed to Personal Growth, Not Just Numerical Growth

Healthy leaders prioritise personal development over external success. They recognise that their character and motives need as much attention as the ministries they oversee. C.S. Lewis once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” While numerical growth is important, it’s often the natural byproduct of inner growth. By focusing on becoming more Christ-like, leaders are better equipped to inspire and lead others effectively.

2. Emotionally Healthy Leaders Are Aware of Their Impact, Not Just Their Intent

While intentions may be good, it’s the impact of our words and actions that shape those around us. Emotionally healthy leaders understand that their actions have ripple effects, and they take responsibility for the ways they affect others. “The greatest leaders are those willing to be learners,” writes Dallas Willard. This kind of humility means actively seeking feedback, valuing constructive criticism, and caring about the well-being of those they lead.

3. Emotionally Healthy Leaders Don’t Hide Their Mistakes, They Confess Them

Ego-driven leaders tend to shift blame and avoid accountability. But true leadership involves honesty and integrity. Tim Keller frames it like this, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Pastors who confess their mistakes demonstrate humility and transparency, creating an environment of trust within their community.

As James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

4. Emotionally Healthy Leaders Don’t Use People, They Serve People

Healthy leaders live by the belief that people aren’t there to build the church; the church is there to build people.

As Henri Nouwen writes, “The way of the Christian leader is not the way of upward mobility but the way of downward mobility. It is the way of the cross.”

Leaders are called to serve, not to rule over their congregations. 1 Peter 5:2-3reminds us, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

5. Emotionally Healthy Leaders Don’t Just Work for Christ, They Resemble Him

The true mark of a great leader isn’t in their accomplishments, but in how much they resemble Christ. As A.W. Tozer wisely said, “The man who would truly know God must give time to Him.” Healthy leaders seek to embody Christ’s compassion, humility, and love, reflecting Him in all they do. 1 John 2:6 reminds us, “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”

Good leaders keep Christ on the throne and avoid putting themselves on a pedestal.

They know that it’s His church, and they’re simply stewards. The world needs more emotionally healthy pastors who lead with integrity, humility, and Christ-like love.

“Leadership is not about your glory; it’s about pointing others to His.” - Paul David Tripp

Let’s strive to be leaders who not only preach the gospel passionately but live it out with intergrity, love, and emotional and spiritual maturity.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article reflect my personal Christian beliefs and are not intended to be imposed on others. Readers are encouraged to explore their own spiritual and professional beliefs in line with their values.