Battling the Black Dog
May 13, 2010
It’s a little-known and rarely discussed secret that pastors sometimes struggle with depression. There are many reasons why we prefer not to deal with this problem openly. Because we look to our pastors as spiritual leaders, it’s hard to think of them wrestling with fear, discouragement, doubt and depression. And pastors feel the pressure to put up a good front rather than admit their own weakness.
A few years ago Pastor Randy Sawyer saw his ministry come to a complete halt because of a serious bout with depression. The causes were many and not easy to pinpoint. At first he thought he could pray his way out of it, but that didn’t work. With the help of wise counselors, compassionate doctors, and an understanding congregation, he found his way back to health and wholeness.
Now he has written his story in a book called Battling the Black Dog. Subtitled “Raw Confessions of Depression in Ministry,” he pulls no punches in telling of his battle with the “black dog” of depression.
If you are a pastor, you will resonate with his story. If you are a lay leader, Randy will tell you how to help your own pastor. If you struggle with depression, you will find wise counsel in this book. I found myself challenged by his honesty. He’s been there, he knows the struggle, and he knows how to help others. I’m glad he wrote this book because it could quite literally be a life-saver.