- 80% of pastors believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many pastor’s children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.
- 90% of pastors feel they are inadequately trained to cope with the demands of ministry.
- 80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
- 85% of pastors said their greatest struggle is dealing with problem people such as disgruntled members, elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors.
- 90% said the ministry was completely different than what they thought it would be before they began.
- 80% of pastors’ wives wish their spouse would choose another profession.
- 70% of pastors constantly fight depression.
- More than 1500 pastors leave the ministry every month.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Startling Statistics About Pastors
This past week I ran across some statistics that stopped me dead in my tracks. As someone who grew up as a pastor's kid and has been in full-time pastoral ministry for 11 years, these facts hit close to home. I share them not to bring discouragement to you or disrepute to pastors. Instead, my prayer is that they will spur you on to pray for the Church and its leadership. In fact, will you pause and pray after reading this blog entry? My hope is that we will never forget the incredible spiritual battle that wages against us.
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4 comments:
These, unfortunately, are some very sad statistics. One would hope that those who are called to the ministry would be able to allow God to lead them in the life of victory!
Yes, without a doubt, the pressures put on ministers is overwhelming at times but they, like the layperson, must stand on the Word and not waiver from it's truth. God never leaves us and will give us the strength to accomplish the mission we have been called to. No the ministers are not perfect, if they were they would no longer bbe here. They definitely need the love, prayers and support of those they serve. This includes friendship and fellowship since it can be such a lonely journey for them. We must all be challenged to do everything in our power to come alongside our ministers and help make their load easier to bear. Then, perhaps, all those statistics could be reversed. Thank you for all you do!!!
"Remember, it’s not about your church. It’s about the Mission of Jesus Christ. I believe that church pews across America are filled with people who are gifted and ready to explode into ministry, but they’ve never been given “permission” by their pastor to do it. This will be one of the greatest things you will ever do for your church, and for yourself."
Phil Pike
The above comment is from the same article that the stastics were quoted from. It is huge and integral in combating Satan' attempts to destroy "the Called" and in actually "doing church as a team". We have to remember that we are ALL called to be ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ...we just don't "do it" from the physical building of the church.
Check out the book "Doing Church As A Team" by Wayne Cordiero...it describes the miracle of teamwork and how it can transform churches! GREAT and encouraging read!!
I agree with both of you! Thanks for your thoughts.
Pastor Ken;
I have heard alot of those comments before through the years and I do encourage everyone to pray for all pastors through out the world. When the world sees or hears of someone falling,that proclaims the word of God whether they are a pastor,evangelist,or sings in the choir,it hurts the calling of God. We are watched very carefully by the world,and we need to be the best wittness we can be. Pastors are held even more acountable for their actions.I encourage all to pray every day for you men and women of faith. God bless all the pastors of United Faith!
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