My name is Max Eckerson and I am grateful you have considered me as your counselor. A part of my story is that I have grown up in church my entire life, I am a pastor’s kid, my wife is a pastor’s kid, I was a youth pastor in my early twenties and been on staff in multiple churches and my wife is currently a pastor. We both have seen and experienced the ups and downs of ministry, and the challenges that ministry can bring to a marriage and home life. Ministry is a family calling and ministry is one my wife and I have a passion to help others in ministry. We love and believe in the local church. We also understand and empathize with others in ministry through the ups and downs. We understand that there are many challenges for the leader and their families.

Ministry is heavy and a lot of weight is on hearts and shoulders of pastor’s, leaders and their families.Through my experience over the years I noticed there is a need for leaders, pastors and their families for a safe place to discuss their burdens, heartache and challenges. In a place where there is no judgement and fear of letting others down. An individual in a leadership position often feels like they need to constantly be on, and do not have the ability to be authentic and talk with others when they are struggling, because of the need to be strong and lead. However, leaders often say “people are not meant to do life alone”. I whole heartily agree and believe this statement! I also believe that leaders are not meant to journey in ministry alone but instead have a team to help carry the weight in ministry.

My heart is for pastors, leaders and church congregants to find a safe place to bring their burdens, so they do not burn out and have longevity in ministry. When burden and stress is off them just a little bit. The pastor or leader is able to show up better for their families and the rooms they walk into. I don’t believe God has made people carry so much weight on their own. God has asked for each person to lay their burdens down on Him, and He will give us rest.