As pastors we are called upon to minister to the needs of the people in our churches. This is what we are called to do and it provides for us a great sense of fulfillment when we see peoples lives changed for the better as a result of our ministry.

However, there are times when it is the pastor who is in need of ministry. Although we stand before our congregations and are looked upon as spiritual leaders, we are only human ourselves. We have needs, experience personal pain, run dry and often burn out. Having experienced this in my own ministry as well as in my colleagues, I began to sense a need for a ministry for those who are in the ministry.

The reasons why ministers experience these difficulties are varied. The tragedy is that often these problems are left unattended either because the minister does not seek help or because he does not feel that he can go to anyone he can trust. It has become my conviction that confidentiality can be a balm that enables the minister to receive the help and council that is needed.

After discussing this need with a number of colleagues as well as those in denominational leadership positions I believe the time has come for such a ministry. In the Old Testament Gilead was a community that was noted for its production of a balm that was said to have healing properties. In Jeremiah 8:22, God asks, "Is there not a balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for my people?"

Those who serve the Lord in ministry are often wounded people. These wounded people often go unnoticed and uncared for. We believe that the Lord is calling us to be a balm of healing and restoration for our colleagues. For this reason, Gilead Ministries became an appropriate name for this ministry.

With that in mind we offer the following as a vision statement for Gilead Ministries.

Gilead Ministries is a fellowship of Christian ministers whose goal is to minister to the needs of their fellow colleagues who are experiencing difficulties in their ministries, or in their relationships with God and their families.