We ask a lot of our pastors and missionaries. We expect them to be spiritually strong, emotionally available, always ready with the right words. But what happens when the shepherd is the one who’s broken?

That’s the question at the heart of a recent PUSH (Pray Until Saturation Happens) episode featuring Larry and Laurie Russell, founders of Shepherd’s Heart Ministry. In a raw and honest conversation with host Kristen Muzzy, the Russells opened up about their work restoring ministry leaders who are hanging on by a thread—burned out, wounded, and wondering if they can keep going.

Many pastors carry unbearable weight in silence. They’re afraid that admitting they’re struggling means losing their church, their income, or their reputation. Missionaries serving in high-pressure regions face isolation, cultural stress, and spiritual exhaustion with nowhere safe to turn.

“We felt called to care for the shepherds,” the Russells explained, “so that churches and mission fields don’t lose their leaders.”

Shepherd’s Heart Ministry creates safe spaces where pastoral couples can be honest—really honest—about what they’re facing. Burnout. Moral failure. Marriage strain. Depression. The kind of crises that don’t make it into Sunday’s sermon.

Through intensive retreats, counseling, and ongoing care, the Russells help leaders rest, reconnect with God and each other, and rediscover their calling. They shared stories (without names) of pastors who arrived ready to quit and left with restored marriages and renewed hope.

What started as a calling to support struggling ministry couples has grown into a global effort. SHM now serves leaders across the world and even in difficult fields like Israel and other high-pressure regions.

But the mission remains the same: restoration, not replacement. This isn’t about quietly removing wounded leaders. It’s about healing them so they can return to healthy, sustainable ministry.

The episode closes with something we don’t do enough: prayer for our pastors and missionaries. Not just a quick “bless our pastor” mention, but intentional intercession for the men and women carrying the spiritual weight of our communities.

The Russells invite us to pray regularly for ministry leaders—especially those serving in hard places. To see them. To cover them. To remind them they’re not alone.

Here’s how you can respond:

• Pray. Right now. For your pastor, your church staff, the missionaries your congregation supports.
• Share this episode with a ministry leader who might need to hear they’re not the only one struggling.
• Reach out. If you’re a pastor or missionary in crisis, contact Shepherd’s Heart Ministry. There’s no shame in needing help—only courage.

Because the truth is, we need our shepherds whole. And sometimes, that means caring for them the way they’ve cared for us.

Watch the full episode and join us in praying for ministry leaders around the world.