Why Pastors Quit

By: admin | Date: January 12, 2016 | Categories: reading

Why 734 Pastors Quit (and How Their Churches Could Have Kept Them)

LifeWay Research studies how churches can help pastors last longer.
Lisa Cannon Green – Facts & Trends
[ posted 1/12/2016 10:27AM ]
The survey is of senior pastors who left their jobs before retirement age (65) for non-ministry or church positions other than senior pastor. These were definitely issues for me in my last pastorate.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2016/january/why-734-pastors-quit-how-churches-could-have-kept-them.html?utm_source=ctdirect-html&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_term=9455965&utm_content=409211195&utm_campaign=2013

A recent study by LifeWay Research points to ways churches can encourage pastors to stay in the ministry, said Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Nashville-based organization.

“Almost half of those who left the pastorate said their church wasn’t doing any of the kinds of things that would help,” Stetzer said. “Having clear documents, offering a sabbatical rest, and having people help with weighty counseling cases are key things experts tell us ought to be in place.”…

Current and former pastors agree the job is demanding: 84 percent of current pastors and 83 percent of former pastors say they feel on call 24 hours a day, while 48 percent of each group say the demands of ministry often feel like more than they can handle.

On other measures, however, the differences can be stark:

  • 21 percent of current pastors vs. 49 percent of former pastors believe their church has unrealistic expectations.
  • 35 percent of current pastors vs. 62 percent of former pastors report feeling isolated.
  • 89 percent of current pastors vs. 68 percent of former pastors feel free to say no to unrealistic expectations.
  • 92 percent of current pastors vs. 61 percent of former pastors believe their congregation provides genuine encouragement to their family.
  • 94 percent of current pastors vs. 74 percent of former pastors say they consistently protect family time.

Former pastors are also less likely than current pastors to report an enthusiastic spouse, to take a weekly day of rest, and to work at preventing conflict. They are more likely to worry about their family’s financial security and to frequently get irritated with people at church.