by Nick Sevier, ACBC, IABC & Founder & Director of Biblical Counselors Society
Carrying for souls is weighty. And, too often, biblical counselors and church leaders are left to bear it alone.
Consider the trendlines. In 2023, Barna reported that 65 percent of US pastors said they felt lonely or isolated—a staggering 23 percent increase from 2015.
Isolation isn’t benign.
In Barna’s 2022 survey, 42 percent of pastors had seriously considered quitting full-time ministry in the previous year, with 43 percent specifically citing loneliness and isolation as a factor, the top reason being "the immense stress of the job"[1] (56 percent).
Lifeway Research painted a complementary picture. In its 2022 study, "Greatest Needs of Pastors," 63 percent of pastors identified stress as a mental challenge, 48 percent reported discouragement, and 28 percent named loneliness or lack of friendships among their primary struggles.
In a 2025 study, 47 percent of pastors said the demands of ministry are often greater than they can handle, 57 percent said the role is frequently overwhelming, and 34 percent felt isolated—with burnout now twice as likely to be named as a reason a prior pastor left, compared to a decade ago.
Barna also noted that leaders who haven’t considered quitting still cite stress, division, and loneliness as significant drags on their leadership. And, notably, those who stay report stronger support from family and community.
Put simply: Isolation fuels discouragement, anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout.
While most of these stats are about pastors, my experience tells me that biblical counselors at all levels of experience also wrestle with these difficulties.
The good news is that Biblical Counselors Society (BCS) is strategically designed to combat these challenges. Our mission is clear: "Empowering biblical counselors by providing reliable community, real-time collaboration, and robust resources—so no counselor carries the weight of soul care alone."[2]
Here’s how we do it:
Combating Discouragement and Loneliness through Relational Connection
BCS offers real-time forums, private men's and women's groups, weekly live coffee hours, and a prayer room—spaces where counselors can connect, share burdens, pray, and be encouraged by peers who truly understand the challenges you face.
Reducing Overwhelm and Anxiety with Collaborative Case Help
Facing difficult or complex counseling situations often leads to anxiety and overwhelm. BCS counters these through live Q&A sessions with experienced biblical counseling leaders, weekly live counseling collaborations, and real-time collaboration forums. These venues offer immediate wisdom, perspective, and practical guidance—lowering the burden of "walking it alone."
Guarding Against Burnout Through Trustworthy Tools and Training
Overwhelm grows when one lacks reliable tools. BCS grants access to 350+ vetted, searchable resources, including checklists, agendas, practical guides, diagrams, forms for data gathering, and more. Moreover, our platform offers on-demand ACBC-aligned training courses, as well as live training. These help counselors grow in competence and confidence rather than languish in stress-induced paralysis.
Maintaining Doctrinal Integrity and Accountability
When we’re emotionally drained, we’re in real risk of slipping into theological compromise. BCS addresses this by adopting ACBC Standards of Doctrine and Conduct, and by requiring all moderators to be ACBC-certified, ensuring a community anchored in sound theology. These provide much-needed stability for counselors navigating high-pressure situations with spiritual integrity intact.
Conclusion
The research is clear: Isolation, overwhelm, discouragement, anxiety, and burnout plague biblical counselors and church leaders. Ministry isn’t sustainable alone.
Biblical Counselors Society answers this need with a multifaceted approach: community, collaboration, tools, training, and doctrinal safeguard. In a world where many counselors feel unseen and unsupported, BCS ensures they are not alone or underequipped. A strong community doesn’t just prevent burnout—it sustains faithful ministry for the long haul.
by Nick Sevier
Special Offer for FSM Readers: Below is a link and discount code created specifically for FSM counselors and readers:
FSM20. https://biblicalcounselorssociety.com/membership
This code gives 20% off either membership tier in perpetuity.
[1]. "Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year." Barna Group, August 16, 2023. https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-quitting-ministry
[2]. Biblical Counselors Society. Accessed August 28, 2025. https://www.biblicalcounselorssociety.com
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