Pastoral Ministry

“Even if we haven’t seen a dramatic increase in pastoral attrition, many people believe it’s still coming…. If the bubble does burst later this year or next, all eyes are on three demographics: pastors early in their careers, those nearing retirement, and bivocational ministers.” - C.Today

“Half (51%) say time management is an aspect that needs attention or investment today, while 43% specifically point to developing a balance between work and home.” - Lifeway

“The Cross… also reveals, in history’s most transcendent moment, that Jesus’ focus is not on trying to evoke feelings in others. Nor is it on stoically demonstrating timeless truth.” - TGC

“instead of protesting the ‘rights and wrongs’ of counseling, let’s start from a point of agreement that our holistic health contains aspects—physical, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional health—that God created in us and are, thus, worthy of our care.” - Lifeway

“Prayer requests from Donetsk: ‘First, to stop the aggressor. But then for peace of mind, to respond with Christian character and not from human hate.’” - C.Today

Related:

“Of the 44 needs identified by pastors and included in the study, 17 were selected by a majority as an issue they need to address.Developing leaders and volunteers: 77% Fostering connections with unchurched people: 76% People’s apathy or lack of commitment: 75%…” - Lifeway

“The following 12 practices were identified by comparing current pastors with former pastors who had left the pastorate before retirement age. We analyzed which questions most strongly predict whether a pastor continues to serve as a senior pastor.” - Lifeway

“Consider how we might talk to our own unbelieving children. Do we wait to talk to them about wisdom issues until they repent and believe? Of course not!” - DBTS

“Though we don’t have precise data, we estimate that there are over one million bi-vocational pastors and church staff in North America alone. That number is increasing during the pandemic. Indeed, most churches have at least one bi-vocational staff member.” - Thom Rainer

“One of the most meaningful gifts I ever received was not for me but for my wife. A member noticed her tires were getting worn, so he gave us a new set of tires––and washed our car!” - Lifeway