Another helpful list from Paul David Tripp's tremendous book, Dangerous Calling. We haven't had a day pass without at least one significant conversation between me and my wife, Molly, since we started reading this book. We talked about a few things from this list today (from pages 79-82 in the printed edition). This is for pastors and those who care for them, and it's about a better, more healthy way to keep Pastors from isolation.
- Require your Pastor to attend a small group he doesn't lead
- Pastor, seek out a spiritually mature person to mentor you at all times
- Establish a Pastor's wives' small group
- Pastor, be committed to appropriate self-disclosure in your preaching
- Be sure that your Pastor and his family are regularly invited into the homes of families in your church
- Make sure there is someone who is regularly mentoring your Pastor's wife
- Make sure your Pastor and his wife have the means to be regularly out of the house and away for weekends with one another
- Make sure counseling help is always available to the Pastor, his wife, and their family
A lot of helpful explanation of these points are in the book, so you should get it and read it. My wife read it in 1 1/2 days (she has her own copy) and God is using it mightily in our marriage. I can't recommend Dangerous Calling (Kindle) enough.