Robinson, Texas (ABP)—No one ever promised vocational ministry would be easy, said Michael Godfrey, executive director of True Course Ministries. That’s why he began his mentoring program for pastors.

Godfrey’s 32 years experience in Christian ministry revealed to him a huge disconnect between seminary education and the practical demands of full-time ministry.

“I’ve had my own bumps and bruises along the way, in terms of just dysfunctional situations, relational situations ... issues with self-awareness, perceptions of others,” Godfrey recalled.

After leaving one particularly difficult situation, Godfrey said he realized his struggles were not unique.

“I came to the realization that people and systems can turn and you can get caught in the middle of it,” he noted.

While enrolled at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, Godfrey found ministry direction during a visit to the Baptist General Convention of Texas minister/church relations office.

“When I was working on my D.Min. (doctor of ministry degree), I went to Jan Daehnert’s office and asked him: ‘Where’s the hole? Where’s the need?’ He said we have plenty of after care (for forced termination), but we don’t have any preventive care. That’s the hole,” Godfrey said.

Godfrey developed True Course Ministries in 2003 as he felt God directing him to offer support and continued education to ministers. “About 90 percent of ministers feel inadequately trained,” he said.

Several months of informal surveys showed Godfrey ministers were seeking mentors to help deal with feelings of isolation, loneliness and burnout. He also wanted his program to address church struggles and prevent forced terminations.

One-on-one, personal mentorship with individually customized goals distinguishes the ministry. Concerned church members sometimes refer ministers to True Course, but church staff members also choose the program —often to develop skills and to further education.

True Course Ministries’ mentors are seasoned ministers themselves, experienced in the ups and downs of ministry. According to the group’s Web site, the mentors are “highly trained in adult education and experienced in leadership of volunteer organizations.”

Mentors also must remain active in church leadership. Some serve as interim pastors. Others focus on conflict management and counseling ministers and their families following forced terminations.