We recently had a yard sale. A water leak in kitchen led to warped flooring, which led to new flooring, which led to a kitchen re-do, which led to us having a bunch of stuff in our garage, which led to a yard sale. You get it. The picture above is the aftermath of the sale. But before that, we had the driveway full of items, with shoppers coming as early as 6am. There were several moments where we just told people who asked about an item, “That’s free.” Amidst a sea of items where one expects to pay, what does “free” feel like? 

I’ll tell you. I was referred to some leaders recently who have never talked about their stories with anyone. For decades of leadership and service. Who can they trust? How hard it is to admit they needed help? And, how could they afford it? When I told them that I get to offer this service for free, they were amazed. The look on their faces is a gift.

You’re one of the reasons why I get to see that look on their faces. 

From its beginning, Standing Stone has remained committed to offering this confidential coaching and care of ministry leaders for free. Even its founders, Jim and Debbie Hogan, raise their own financial support to do their work of coming alongside pastors and ministry leaders. They have long known how there are already so many barriers to leaders reaching out for help, and cost is only one of them. If each of us can call upon a group of people to support our work, then we can offer the gift of free those that need it. 

A generous partner continues to offer a matching gift to new monthly donors. If you have given once, or never given, and could commit to giving monthly, your gift will be matched!

I am serving with a ministry called Standing Stone, which has aimed for over twenty years to provide a space for free, confidential coaching and care for pastors, ministry leaders, and leaders of every sphere. Standing Stone believes that healthy leaders need companions on their leadership journey, and that healthy leaders will lead healthy organizations that help transform their communities. You can learn more here: https://standingstoneministry.org/shepherd/burke-david/