By James Bell
The Heart Behind the Network
When I first sensed the need to form a network for pastors, it wasn’t because I had extra time on my hands or was looking to launch a new ministry. It was born out of something I’ve seen and felt over the years—not just in my own life, but in the lives of countless pastors I’ve come to know, counsel, and walk alongside. I’ve seen pastors isolated and overextended. I’ve seen leaders exhausted from criticism, from betrayal, from carrying a weight few others understand. I’ve seen men quietly bleed out spiritually, emotionally, and even physically, while still preaching faithfully every week and shepherding their people with love.
The Pastors Connection Network was not formed to solve all of these problems. But it was formed in response to them. It exists because we are not meant to do this alone. We were never designed to carry the full burden of ministry in solitude. And in a time when ministry can feel increasingly complex and discouraging, I believe it is more important than ever that we create spaces of connection, encouragement, and shared mission.
A Big Tent with a Shared Center
One of the convictions that drives this network is that we need a bigger tent in ministry. I’ve spent enough time in denominational and non-denominational spaces to know how easy it is to get caught up in tribalism—defining ourselves not by what we share in Christ, but by our nuanced theological differences, ministry methods, or cultural preferences.
Now, let me be clear—theology matters. Convictions matter. I’m not advocating for theological vagueness or institutional ambiguity. But I am saying that if the body of Christ can’t come together across secondary lines for the sake of the gospel and the health of one another, we’re missing something critical.
The Pastors Connection Network aims to create a space where pastors from a variety of traditions—Baptist, non-denominational, reformed, charismatic, and others—can come together with shared values: a commitment to the authority of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel, and the call to shepherd the church faithfully.
We’re not asking pastors to check their theology at the door. But we are asking that we recognize the larger mission—the Great Commission, the flourishing of the church, and the spiritual well-being of pastors themselves. In other words, we can contend for theological clarity without compromising relational unity.
Pastoral Health Is Church Health
One of the things I’ve said more times than I can count is this: Healthy pastors lead healthy churches. That’s not just a nice quote—it’s the truth. When a pastor is encouraged, prayed for, and walking closely with Jesus, it shows up in the church. But when a pastor is isolated, spiritually empty, or silently hurting, it shows up there too.
We’re living in a time where too many pastors are drowning in expectations, criticism, and weariness. Some are going it alone with no staff, no support, and no one to talk to. Others lead large churches but feel emotionally distant and spiritually dry. Some are trying to bring life back to dying churches and are up against years of broken systems and hardened hearts.
This network won’t solve every problem. But it will give you space to breathe. To connect. To be reminded that there are others who get it. And to realize you’re not the only one still standing.
From Resources to Relationships
There are a lot of places where pastors can go for tools, training, or ideas. And we’ll certainly share resources in this network—books, events, articles, sermon outlines, counseling helps, and more. But if this becomes just another resource repository, we’ve missed the point.
The core of this network is not resources. It’s relationships.
We want to build friendships between pastors who may never have met otherwise. We want regional gatherings where ministry leaders can sit across the table from one another and talk about real issues—without fear of judgment or posturing. We want Messenger groups that move from posts into real-life check-ins: “How are you really doing? How can we pray for you? What’s God teaching you right now?”
There are countless conferences that offer ministry content. There are fewer places where pastors can be themselves, speak honestly, and receive the kind of support that can only come from trusted brothers in Christ.
A Vision That’s Bigger Than Us
The Pastors Connection Network is about more than just helping pastors feel supported. It’s also about mobilizing a collaborative movement.
That may sound ambitious, but the idea is—What if we could leverage our collective strength for greater gospel impact?
What if churches working together could plant new churches, revitalize dying ones, and support international partners in ways that none of us could do alone? What if we could help connect young leaders with seasoned mentors? What if we could match ministry needs with ministry resources across a national and global family of churches?
We are already seeing this begin to take shape. A church in Michigan shares its evangelistic outreach training with a church in Nevada!
Who This Network Is For
This network is for pastors who love the local church but are tired of pretending they’re fine when they’re not.
It’s for leaders who are more interested in faithfulness than fame.
It’s for the bivocational guy grinding through long weeks and late nights, and the full-time pastor who still feels alone.
It’s for church planters, missionaries, revitalizers, and seasoned veterans who just want someone to walk with.
If you’re tired of isolation and hungry for community—this is for you.
It’s for those who believe the church in North America—and around the world—needs less competition and more community.
Why This Matters Right Now
We’re living in a defining moment for the church and for those called to lead it.
Pastors are stepping away. Some walk out quietly, never making a public announcement—just a quiet resignation and a move into something “less heavy.” Others fall publicly, their collapse visible and painful, leaving confusion and hurt in their wake. And then there are the ones still standing behind the pulpit every week, still preaching, still showing up—but silently carrying the weight of discouragement, disappointment, and exhaustion.
Ministry today doesn’t look much like the one many of us were prepared for. Culture has shifted. Congregations have changed. Expectations have multiplied. Pastors are expected to be theologians, counselors, visionaries, administrators, social commentators, and digital communicators—all while somehow remaining humble, rested, and emotionally available. It’s not just unsustainable—it’s deeply isolating.
And yet, most pastors feel the pressure to act like everything is fine.
This moment we’re in isn’t just hard—it’s dangerous. Dangerous because we’re being pulled in so many directions that it becomes easier to disconnect than to press in. Easier to hide than to be honest. Easier to pretend than to reach out.
That’s why this network exists. Not because we’re trying to build something trendy, but because conviction and connection are not optional anymore—they’re essential for survival.
Conviction keeps us anchored in what’s true when the world is shifting around us. It reminds us that the gospel doesn’t change. That Christ is still the Head of the Church. That our calling is still to preach, to shepherd, to serve. But if we try to walk in that conviction alone, it will wear us down. Conviction without community can lead to pride, burnout, cynicism—or all three.
Connection is what keeps us grounded in humility and hope. It reminds us we’re not alone. That God is still building His Church through weak, faithful people. That there are others out there—just like you—who are fighting the same battles, carrying similar burdens, and trusting the same Savior.
Jesus didn’t send His disciples out alone. He sent them two by two. Paul surrounded himself with a team, even when he was writing letters from prison. The early church didn’t grow just because they had strong doctrine—they shared their lives with one another.
And that’s the kind of connection we need now.
So if you’re feeling worn out, discouraged, overlooked, or just plain tired—it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. And if you’ve been trying to walk this road alone, you’re not the only one. But you don’t have to stay there.
There’s space here for you. A seat at the table. A brotherhood that’s not asking you to perform—but inviting you to rest, to be known, and to keep going with others by your side.
This matters now more than ever.
Let’s not wait for another collapse or crisis. Let’s choose community on the front end—and walk together toward the kind of faithfulness that lasts.
What You Can Expect
If you’re already in the network—thank you. You matter. Your voice, your story, and your presence are part of what makes this what it is.
If you’re new, here’s what we’re building:
1. Messenger Groups
Smaller, focused conversations—organized by region, ministry context, or role. Whether you’re a church planter in the city, a rural pastor, a missionary, or serving in revitalization, there’s a group for you. These threads are where weekly encouragement, prayer, and real-life support happen. No need to perform—just show up and be present.
2. Regional Gatherings
Simple, local meetups—nothing flashy. Just pastors around a table, sharing stories, meals, burdens, and prayer. These gatherings are where online connections become real friendships and long-term support systems begin to form.
3. Ministry Matchmaking
We’re building systems to match ministry needs with ministry strengths. Whether it’s pairing a struggling church with a revitalization coach, connecting a young pastor with a seasoned mentor, or plugging international leaders into training cohorts—our aim is to connect the right people for the right reasons, at the right time.
4. Resource Collaboration
We’re sharing what’s working. From sermon series and evangelism tools to counseling documents and discipleship plans—this is open-source ministry support. Everyone contributes. Everyone benefits.
5. Mentoring & Revitalization Coaching
Sometimes what pastors need isn’t a new model, but a trusted friend who’s been there. We’re creating space for mentoring relationships and coaching for those navigating the long road of revitalization.
6. Evangelistic Outreaches through Ten9 Ministries
Through our partnership with Ten9 Ministries, we’re equipping churches with gospel-centered outreach strategies that are simple, scalable, and effective.
7. Blogs & Podcasts
We’re rolling out regular content written and recorded by pastors, for pastors—covering everything from preaching and leadership to burnout, friendship, and emotional health.
8. Retreats & Getaways
Opportunities to unplug, rest, and reconnect with God and with other leaders. These won’t be packed schedules. They’ll be space to breathe, laugh, and be reminded that you’re not alone.
9. International Partnerships & Missions Trips
We’re building long-term relationships with vetted international partners. Pastors will have opportunities to go on missions trips together—serving, supporting, and strengthening our brothers in hard places across the globe.
10. The Annual Summit
Once a year, we gather. No stages, no egos—just pastors coming together to pray, learn, rest, and grow. Through Scripture, honest conversations, shared meals, and slow moments, we hope this becomes one of the most meaningful weekends of your year.
A Final Word
In 2 Timothy, Paul writes some of his last words to a younger pastor facing difficulty and opposition. He says, “Do your best to come to me quickly… only Luke is with me.” Even the Apostle Paul felt the sting of loneliness in ministry.
But he also knew the power of gospel partnerships. The churches he planted and the leaders he trained weren’t perfect. But they were committed. They were willing to press on together.
That’s what we’re trying to do.
We don’t need another platform. We need pastors walking in the same direction, with open Bibles and open hearts, ready to build something that lasts—not for our names, but for His.
We’re continuing to develop partnerships, launch new initiatives, and listen to the needs of pastors in the field. If your church has something to offer, share it. If you’re in a season where you need support, speak up. The strength of this network isn’t in how polished it looks—it’s in how honest we’re willing to be with each other.
If that resonates with you, welcome. Let’s walk together.