Depression was once a topic reserved for "other people." Despite historical evidence to the contrary, we assumed that this certainly was not something those in vocational ministry experienced. Or, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that ministers rarely admitted that they were depressed. After all, weren’t these servants of God supposed to have their acts together? How could pastors and other church leaders who sense the call of God on their lives experience the dark valley of depression?

Ministers often feel shame and failure when they endure bouts with depression. And their reticence to tell anyone about their plights has exacerbated the problem. However, today increasing numbers are willing to talk about this issue. In recent months, articles in the Christian Post, New York Times, and Paul Tripp’s Gospel Coalition blog have addressed the problem candidly and proactively.

A growing problem

The articles note that the problem of depression in the ministry is not only real, but that it is growing. Furthermore, the rate of depression among ministers is now higher than the rate in the general population.

What are the causes of the depression? More importantly, what can be done to help ministers who are walking through this valley?

The possible causes

My list of possible causes is not exhaustive. It is based on the research of others as well as my own anecdotal conversations with pastors and other Christian leaders who experience depression. They include:

Spiritual warfare. The devil does not want God’s servants to be effective in ministry. He will do whatever it takes to hurt ministers and their ministries.

Unrealistic expectations. The expectations and demands upon a pastor are enormous. They are unrealistic. But if one person’s expectations are not met, that person can quickly let the pastor know that he is a failure.

Greater platforms for critics. In "the good old days," a critic griped mainly via telephone, mail, and in-person meetings. Today they have the much more visible and pervasive platforms of e-mail, blogs, and social media, all of which can stimulate news coverage or wider criticisms.

Failure to take time away from the church or place of ministry. Workaholism leads to burnout. Burnout leads to depression.

Marriage and family problems. Too often the pastor neglects his family as he cares for the larger church family.

Financial strains. Many pastors simply do not earn sufficient income from the churches they serve. That financial stress can lead to depression. In addition, some pastors do not know how to manage the money they do have, leading to further financial strain.

The problem of comparison. Every pastor will always know of a church that is larger and seemingly more effective. Every pastor will always know of another pastor who appears more successful. This comparison game can be debilitating to some pastors.

Seeking to help and offer solutions

Pastors need our prayers and support. I challenge church members to organize intercessory prayer warriors for your pastor. Get each person to commit to praying for him five minutes every day. Fight the battles of spiritual warfare with prayer.

Likewise, make sure your pastor has sufficient time for his own prayer life. As he spends more time with God, he will be able to deal with the demands of ministry more effectively. He will handle the barbs of the critics better. He will not be prone to compare his ministry with others. His hope and identity will be more dependent on his relationship with Christ.

Make certain your pastor takes time off every year. Vacations must be mandatory. He likewise needs to take at least one day off each week. Look for signs that he is not giving sufficient time to his family, and help him to find the time to do so. He cannot neglect his wife and children.

Find out if your pastor receives adequate compensation. If not, work quietly and prayerfully with key leaders in the church to rectify that problem.

Thank God for pastors. Thank God for their lives, their families, and their ministries. May we who sit under their ministries and serve in their churches do all we can to keep them focused and healthy—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

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Thom Rainer is the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. He is also a former pastor, seminary dean, and leader of a church and denominational consulting firm. Rainer is the author or co-author of 22 books, including his latest, Transformational Church.