Created by Pastors, for Pastors.
Relief Pastors is a growing non-profit that meets the spiritual, physical and practical needs of church planters who are feeling tired, worn out, isolated, stressed, and depressed.
While our heart is open to all pastors, our priority is church planters and pastors of smaller congregations. Our dream is to make this a free resource.
Dear Pastor,
“Are you tired? Worn out?… Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Jesus
Matthew 11:28-30 (Message)
Our reality
The stress from the overwhelming spiritual, mental, physical, and relational exhaustion coming from the responsibilities of planting and leading a church is an unfortunate and tangible reality that every pastor will experience at some point.
There are no exceptions.
According to Barna’s research, 42% of pastors are considering quitting the ministry because they feel “lonely and isolated due to the immense stress of the job.”
The results are heartbreaking: moral failure, divorce, depression and pastoral suicide are unfortunately becoming all too common in the Church.
This is unacceptable.
Our mission
…is that of Christ’s: to see a well-rested, spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy pastor creating and cultivating rhythms of rest that strategically produce and sustain a healthy and thriving personal life, marriage, and Church that glorifies God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for generations to come.
Our strategy
…is to continue to develop strategic partnerships across the country with healthy and highly relational pastors who have faithfully demonstrated the integrity, perseverance, and character founded upon God’s Word and Biblical standards.
Through these relationships, it is our hope to offer every church planter and pastor who feels physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted a life-giving spiritual family of fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters who generously share their valuable time through relief preaching, worship leading, pastoral care, and coaching as a gift to their family and church.
Our dream
…is to offer Relief Pastors as a free resource to every church planter and pastor of smaller congregations who have stepped out of their comfort zones and into the unknown to plant and pastor a life-giving church. With your prayers and intentional financial investments, we believe this dream will not only become a reality, but will continue for generations .
Our budget
2025 expenses are based on an average of 4-day travel from Birmingham, AL, to the major airport hub(s) per state.As the network of Relief Pastors expands, travel days and expenses will decrease significantly.Help sponsor a pastor and their family for the following regions:
Northeast Pastor: $241 *per month
Southeast Pastor: $225 *per month
Midwest Pastor: $235 *per month
West Pastor: $311 *per month
Your monthly support gives a pastor and their family one weekend of true rest each year.
Through your generosity, a Relief Pastor will cover their Sunday responsibilities—preaching, teaching, worship leading, and more—at no cost to them. While we don’t fund their time away, we make it possible by creating the margin they need to get away—whether for a vacation, a staycation, or a ministry conference. Your partnership gives pastors the chance to rest well—so they can lead well.
Our partners
Our lead team
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Rhett Barden
PRESIDENT Founding Pastor One Life Church Nampa, ID
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T.J. Hankey
TRUSTEE Lead Pastor Refresh Church Meridian, ID
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Clay Ramirez
TRUSTEE Lead Pastor Believers Church Twin Falls, ID
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Justin Bradshaw
TRUSTEE Associate Pastor Church of the Highlands Birmingham, AL
You’re One Conversation Away from the Relief You’ve Prayed For.
You’ve carried the weight of ministry with faithfulness, but even the strongest leaders need a place to rest. At Relief Pastors, we understand the hidden cost of constantly being available for others. That’s why we exist—to offer you a trusted hand, a listening ear, and space to breathe again. Whether you're navigating burnout, sabbatical planning, or just need a break, this is a safe place to start. One conversation can lead to real renewal—and we’re here when you're ready.
You’ve Cared For Others.
Let Us Care For You.
You’ve carried burdens, led faithfully, and poured yourself out for the sake of others. But who cares for the one who always shows up? At Relief Pastors, we’re here to offer you the care and rest you need—without guilt, pressure, or pretense.
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this on your own.