Struck Down But Not Destroyed

Recently, I sat across the table from a young youth pastor, now serving in his second vocational ministry role. Over lunch, he shared the painful story of his first assignment. What should have been a joyful beginning quickly unraveled into heartache. He was used, belittled, and marginalized by the very leaders he had trusted. Yes, Christian gaslighting is real—and he had lived through it.

His story reminded me of Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29–30: “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” When many of us enter ministry, we expect opposition from outside the church. What we don’t always anticipate is the hurt that can come from within.

And yet—this young pastor’s journey is marked not by defeat, but by hope. God has brought him into a new, healthy ministry where he is thriving. His passion for the gospel has not been extinguished. In fact, his trials have strengthened his dependence on Christ and reshaped his vision for servant leadership.

At Standing Stone, we often walk with leaders who carry wounds from ministry. Some feel struck down, but we remind them of Paul’s assurance: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8–9).

If you’ve been wounded in ministry, know this: you are not alone. God redeems broken seasons, restores joy, and renews calling. There is hope, and your story is not over.

If you or someone you know is struggling under the weight of ministry, we want you to know—you are not alone. We are here to walk with you, because healthy leaders build healthy churches, and the Kingdom depends on both.