Let us be in constant prayer for the family and the congregation. It is so very important to keep our Pastor’s in our prayers, they are constantly under attack. 
What can we learn from this people of God? The Christian Post has this very devasting story: Pastor Teddy Parker Jr: There are Times ‘I Don’t Feel Like God Is Hearing Me’ Kills Self as Congregation,Family Wait for Him on Sunday. Go here: bit.ly/182xhQo
Ever feel Satan himself is in your house trying to disrupt your life or your family. It’s TEN-FOLD for our Pastor’s. All our prayers should include our Pastor’s and pray for their strength & their wisdom. They not only face it on a daily basis but hit the street in search of the confrontation to ‘stand in the gap’ daily. They confront him on a constant basis and need our support!
This is a good reminder that we must constantly lift the shepherds of the flock up in prayer. While we expect congregants to struggle with different aspects of the Faith as they travel through various seasons, it is a struggle that we don’t often attribute to pastors.
This pastor’s suicide is a tragic event, but truth be told, his feelings are probably not uncommon among pastors. Let us be extra diligent to support our pastors in prayer and any other ways appropriate to them as individuals. But, also, we all (including pastors) need to understand that it’s natural to struggle . . . sometimes that is what provides our greatest growth and equips us to mentor others who come along behind us with similar difficulties.
Well stated Shona. I Pray, should one of my Pastors ever reach this point, they call me. I’m not a man of words or verses but with many many life experiences, some most wouldn’t even dream of, I’d be there in a heart beat to assist!
YOU BETTER HEAR THAT PASTOR DEWEY & PASTOR PAUL !!! WE LOVE YOU !!!!!!
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
I’m praying for the family–but pastors all over the world can agree that we have to encounter the enemy just as the members but we must go through so we can tell the members that they can go thru too. Be encouraged all Word Carriers God is still God.
As the songwriter wrote, “when you hear of my homegoing don’t worry about me.” However, it is almost impossible not to worry in this situation. It is apparent that Pastor Parker had unhappy thoughts concerning his life that overtook him.
As leaders let’s remember God has someone somewhere who can help us in our most detrimental crisis. As opposed to walking alone with unhappy thoughts, let God lead us to whom we should open and share our thoughts.
David says use discretion when I talk about my affairs. If we ask God, He will lead us so this situation with Pastor Parker will never repeat itself in the lives of any.
My heart goes out to family and church. My God! I understand how difficult and challenging life can be, and I confess my struggles with belief and total trust in God, BUT….when I am weak…HE is so strong….He is faithful…He is merciful…He is forgiving and patient with us….and we have to continue to pray..Lord I believe…help me with any unbelief that I have in Jesus name.
We have to pray without ceasing, and certainly lift up our pastors and ministries whom God has ordained to minister to His children.
I am so sorry Pastor Parker….
Ok people, God is not a “feeling,”. When we are feeling some type a way, try an remember that God’s word trumps whatever we are feeling at that time. He hears us even when when we don’t think he does. His ears are always open to the prayers of the righteous. Do not let the Devil make you think God isn’t listening to you because of the way you feel at the time. In that hour of darkness, “choose Life!” God gave us his word to always stand on, not our feelings. I have been in some dark places because of depression, it was something that was passed on to me from my mom when she was pregnant with me. But God in his infinite wisdom gave me a way of escape. I don’t listen to those voices, I listen and wait on God’s voice….(My sheep know My voice)! So I don’t follow those voices from depression. So I pray for this family. That The Lord God, My God grant them peace in this hour of suffering!!!! “Peace Be Still…..!!!!!