Pastor on the Brink of Quitting Finds Unexpected Strength to Keep Going

It’s no surprise that thousands of pastors step down each year, and most who start in ministry never finish. It's a hard, dangerous calling, but...

Shane Idleman

Updated Mar 20, 2025

Pastor on the Brink of Quitting Finds Unexpected Strength to Keep Going

After 15 years of pastoring and 25 years in ministry, Pastor Shane Idleman was on the verge of walking away. The pressures, struggles, and spiritual battles had worn him down, just like they have for thousands of pastors who leave ministry each year. But instead of quitting, he leaned into God’s calling and found renewed strength.

Now, he’s using his story to help other pastors who feel like giving up, reminding them that if the Great Shepherd has called them, there is always hope.

His journey is proof that even in the darkest moments, God isn’t finished writing the story.

WATCH: Why I Almost Quit / Pastors Unplugged

Originally published March 20, 2025.

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Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the WCF Radio Network. More can be found at ShaneIdleman.com. Free downloads of his eBooks can be found at www.WCFAV.org. Visit him on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to his new podcast, Idleman Unplugged. You can also follow Pastor Shane on the free speech platform Parler.