MARION, Ala. — Where do hurting ministers go for help? Who will minister to those who minister to others?

Asking for help is seen by some ministers as a sign of weakness. And, interestingly, many who minister to scores of others in their churches and communities don’t have a trusted friend with whom to share their own struggles.

Add to these factors the epidemic of involuntary terminations, and there is indeed, a crisis in American ministry.

Dr. Charles Chandler of Richmond, Va. founded “Ministering to Ministers” several years ago to offer help to hurting ministers.

The hallmark of MTM’s ministry is the “Wellness Retreat” for ministers and their spouses. The Alabama retreat will convene for the sixth time at Judson College in Marion May 28-June 1.

“We normally have a counselor or psychiatrist to lead study sessions and do group and individual therapy,” Chandler said. “Another professional directs the Myers-Briggs inventory to help ministers learn more about their personalities and passions. We also have a session on health and fitness, the therapeutic value of humor and a session on marketing your job skills. We estimate each participant receives the equivalent of $1,200-$1,500 worth of counseling and therapy, but the retreat is offered without charge. The only expense to participants is their travel. Our board, churches and other interested persons pick up the expenses.”

Licensed professional counselor Arthur Webb of Elizabethton, Tenn. will serve as clinician for this year’s retreat, and Dr. Dale Huff of the Alabama Baptist Board of Missions will lead one session. Judson professors Harold Arnold and Michael Brooks will also assist.

Many needs are represented at the Wellness Retreats. One pastor attended who had left his church rather quickly when a rumor circulated which led to his firing, though the rumor was later proven untrue. The damage was done, and he was broken and without work.

Another pastor struggled with a rebellious teenaged daughter, and some in his church thought since his own home wasn’t “under control,” he should leave.

A children’s worker found herself without a job because the new pastor wanted to bring along his own staff.

“We can’t do everything in just a week,” Chandler said, “but we can offer a foundation on which to build. We’ve found that about half of terminated ministers go back into full-time ministry and the others find transferable skills they can use in the business or professional world. We witness a lot of heartbreak, but we also witness the rebirth of hope.”

More information is available at MTM’s Web site, mtmfoundation.org or by phoning 804.320-6463.