The mission of the Ministers Support Network is to care for ministers and their families as they face the challenges of ministry by providing spiritual nurture, supportive relationships, and wise coaching.

Background

In 1995 a group of leaders gathered in Abilene, Texas to consider strategies for ministering to ministers and their families in times of distress and discouragement. Ministry is more complex these days, yet support structures and resources for ministers are few. While ministers are called upon to care for others, who cares for the caregivers? Ministers struggle to find balance between “doing” and “being.” Often, ministers are lonely and spiritually empty.

The services provided by the MSN include the following: (1) renewal retreats called Sabbaticals for minister couples, (2) supportive relationships with experienced minister couples, (3) networking with other ministers, (4) assistance for couples in severe crisis by qualified resource persons, and (5) telephone coaching to ministers struggling with personal or professional issues.

MSN Staff Couples

The four couples who serve as staff for the MSN Sabbaticals are Paul and Gladys Faulkner, Eddie and Annette Sharp, Charles and Judy Siburt, and David and Jeanne Wray. Together they bring a blend of ministry experience, caring skills, and commitment to minister families that provide a rich resource for other ministers who need their encouragement.

Selection of Sabbatical Participants

Participants in the sabbatical retreats are selected by the MSN team couples on an “invitation only” basis. However, the list of prospective participants is comprised of ministers who are proposed by the team couples, referred by other ministers, or included at their own request. All inquiries and referrals are received at the MSN office: