The 7 People Every Pastor Needs
Ministry can be lonely, but it shouldn’t be. Even Jesus surrounded Himself with people. Some encouraged Him. Some just walked alongside Him. If we are going to lead well and last long, we need that too. Loneliness is emotionally exhausting and it is spiritually dangerous. Many pastors burn out not from preaching or leading, but from carrying the weight of ministry without a circle of support. That is why these seven relationships are not optional extras, they are lifelines.
So who do you need around you? Here are seven kinds of people every pastor should seek out:
1. The Encourager
Ministry often comes with more criticism than praise. That is why you need someone who believes in you. This is someone who reminds you that your calling matters and that you are not crazy for staying faithful. The Encourager does not flatter or sugarcoat, but they notice your labor, celebrate your small victories and progress, and speak life into your soul when the well feels dry.
2. The Truth Teller
Encouragement is vital, but so is accountability. Every pastor needs someone who will speak the truth in love (even when it stings). But here’s the key: you must choose and empower this person. The Truth Teller is not the loudest griper or the most opinionated person in the pew. They are someone you trust, someone who loves both you and the church, and someone who can challenge you without an agenda. They help keep you grounded, humble, and aligned with your calling.
3. The Prayer Warrior
Every pastor needs someone who does more than say, “I’m praying for you.” This person actually does. They lift your name, your family, your church, and your ministry to the throne of grace on a regular basis. They know when you’re struggling (sometimes before you say a word) and they go to war in prayer on your behalf. They are not flashy. They do not need a title. But their quiet intercession sustains you in ways you may never fully understand. When spiritual attack comes, and it will, it is often their prayers that hold the line. This is not just someone who prays; this is someone called to pray for you.
4. The Seasoned Guide
There is something powerful about walking with someone who has already been where you are going. A seasoned pastor brings perspective, patience, and hard-earned wisdom that only time can teach. They can help you avoid unnecessary pitfalls, remind you that slow growth is still growth, and challenge you when your ambition outpaces your discernment. Most importantly, they can show you what faithfulness looks like across decades. If you are fortunate enough to have someone like this in your life, listen closely. Their scars will teach you more than a dozen conferences ever could.
5. The Lay Leader
Every pastor needs a faithful layperson inside the church who supports the vision, carries part of the load, and leads with integrity. This is especially true for bi-vocational pastors, co-vocational pastors, and pastors serving in single-staff churches. This is someone you can strategize with, bounce ideas off of, and lean on in tough seasons. They are not a "yes" person, but they are a “we’re in this together” person, and that makes all the difference.
6. The Partner
Ministry can feel isolating, especially when local pastors see each other more as competition than co-laborers. But you need someone nearby who is not in competition with you, who cheers for your wins, shares your burdens, and reminds you that you are not the only one plowing hard ground. This kind of partnership breaks down silos and builds up the Kingdom. You do not need to agree on everything. You just need to agree that Jesus is worth it, and that you are better together. A friend like this gives you a place to exhale, a safe space to vent, and a reason to remember that revival in your city will take more than one church. So, invite another pastor to lunch, with no agenda, and see what God does with the friendship.
7. The Next Generation Leader
Ministry is about more than what we build, it is about who we leave behind. Every pastor should be intentionally investing in a younger leader. When you mentor someone, you are not only passing on wisdom, but you are also being reminded of the passion that got you started. It keeps you from growing cynical. It keeps you thinking kingdom. And it keeps your heart open to what God is doing next.
You don’t need to find all seven this week, but start somewhere. Look around, listen to the Spirit, and be honest about what you are missing. You were never meant to carry this calling alone. Ask God to surround you with these people, and ask Him to show you how to be one of these people to someone else. Ministry is never a solo assignment. God never called you to be a hero. He called you to be part of the body. So take the first step. Someone is probably praying for a friend just like you.