Burned out, exhausted, leaving: A new survey finds clergy are not OK

SI Filings
Church & Ministry
Burnout
Pastoral Turnover
Discouragement

“The report… documents the growing number of American clergy who are burned out and have considered leaving either their current congregation — 44% — or the profession itself — more than half (53%). The latter figure represents an increase of 16% since 2021.” - RNS

  • 189 views

Discussion

User image
JD Miller
Mon, 01/29/24 3:49 pm

I recently read a book that is decades old by now, but still quite relevant. It is Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by Kent and Barbara Hughes. It is a reminder of the importance of continuing to minister even if it looks like the ministry is not a success.

If you are in a shrinking ministry, you are not alone. It is possible that you did something to cause it, and if that is the case repent. On the other hand it may simply be a sign of the time and if that is the case then remain faithful. Now is not a good time to quit serving Christ just because it is not as popular as it once was. Let us not forget that the privilege is in being able to serve Jesus, not in growing a huge ministry where we become popular.

Just recently I read Revelation 19 about Jesus coming on the white horse. When I was a youth, I thought it would be so neat to be riding with him among that army on horses. I still do, but now I would count it just as much an honor to be counted worthy to be one of the servants of Christ that was entrusted to scoop up the manure from those horses. I count it an honor to be on Christ's team no matter what job he gives me. Ministry is much more fulfilling once we strive to glorify Jesus for his glory not our own.

User image
Larry Nelson
Tue, 01/30/24 3:25 pm

  1. Does the “generalist” style of ministry that is required from pastors in churches that have a single (one) pastor contribute in any way to ministry burnout? Pastoral ministry obviously entails many/various aspects, which may call for a wide variety of spiritual gifts-perhaps (even likely) more than any one man may have. Is it possible that attempting to accomplish ministry aspects long term that one is not necessarily spiritually gifted for can eventually take a toll?
    I am thinking of two pastors in particular who I know, each of whom were showing significant signs of burnout in their prior pastoral roles, but who really began to flourish when they had an opportunity to serve in a pastoral role (“Associate Pastor of __________”) which seems to clearly suit their spiritual gifts. They found their “niche,” or “sweet spot.”
  2. Do pastors who experience feelings of burnout have the opportunity to take occasional sabbaticals? My church provides our pastors with a 13 week sabbatical every seven years. From what I have seen, it seems to serve as a time of invaluable spiritual renewal. They always seem to return revitalized & refreshed.