From Our President

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Stephen A. Daniels

Broken Wing Ministries was born out of the tragic consequences brought about by my own experience with burnout which led to sin and my leaving pastoral ministry. Like so many others, I thought that it would never happen to me. I had been in ministry for well over twenty years. By all appearance,I was successful; had an adoring wife; senior pastor of a large growing church; counseling ministry; colleagues seeking my advice; a guest speaker at many events; serving in ministries outside church. I was soaring high on eagles wings, just as it says in Isaiah 40:31. The difference was, I wasn't waiting on the Lord to renew my strength. I was trying to do it all in my own strength. I was so busy trying to do ministry, my relationship with the Lord turned from a personal one to a professional one. Pride began to overtake my life. I actually began to think that I was as good at my ministry as people were saying; that it was all about me. I was not taking time to be alone with my God; being renewed and refreshed and filled with the Holy Spirit on a day to day basis. So, when crisis came to my own life, I was not equipped spiritually or emotionally to handle it. I, who had once soared as an eagle, crashed and burned from a broken wing caused by sin in my life.

What happens when a pastor falls? Who is there to catch him or her? From my own experience, not many. But they are not to be blamed. Everybody is shocked and deeply wounded by what has happened. They feel betrayed, and rightly so. The one in whom they have placed so much trust has let them down. Their shepherd has fallen and they are sheep without a shepherd. They don't know what to do or say. Many times the only "comfort" the fallen pastor will get is well intentioned but often harsh words from colleagues, family and friends that, at the time, do more harm than good.

Here at Broken Wing Ministries we know first hand the great turmoil in which the fallen pastor, his or her family and church find themselves. Although there are many great ministries across the country dealing with pastors and families in crisis, there are few which help "broken wing" pastors.

One of our goals is to help them regroup and gain some stability in their lives and help them to get reestablished in life. Some may never enter the pastorate again, others, by God's grace, will. Through a network of Christian professionals we reach out, not only to the fallen pastor and family but to the church he served, offering comfort and help during this time of crisis.

Not only do we minister to fallen pastors, we also minister to pastoral couples in crisis; on the verge of burnout; or in need of a rest from the front lines of day to day burdens of ministry. We offer not only crisis intervention, but retreats and workshops. Our mission and purpose statement explains more fully our ministry objectives. Please take some time to read it.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website.
May you find rest in the Lord today, as you abide in Him. John 15:5

Much Love in Jesus
Stephen A. Daniels
President, Broken Wing Ministries