Pastor Burnout
Check out this infographic (which you can get a copy for yourself from the folks at Seedbed): *note – graphic is large on purpose*
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I have read these stats in a number of places and seen them in the lives of many of my Pastor friends. I would say they are pretty accurate. I am blessed to this point to be on the positive side of these numbers and I have set things in place to stay on the positive side of these numbers.
I must say though – the numbers always startling and heartbreaking no matter how many times I see and hear them.
Jim F recently posted..It is Over
Nothing like seeing these rather disheartening stats right in front of you in living color.
If this isn’t a wakeup call, what will be?
Linda Stoll recently posted..Emotional Eating 201
Scott, I’m wondering how these stats line up against the ‘marketplace’. For example, the stat that ’25% of pastors don’t know where to turn when they have a personal conflict’- is that higher than what one would expect to find in business? Is it lower? About the same?
The findings here are very interesting, but a comparative ‘baseline’ would provide helpful context.
Thanks for keeping us informed on such an important dynamic of ministry life.
Scott Cochrane recently posted..Beware of These 5 Seductive Churches
As one coming through and out the other side I am fortunate to now have a church that loves and cares for me and my family. I was a casualty of this and would agree to this day on the perils of ministry.
Jim – if you are comfortable and have a little time free, I think it would be great for others to hear a little more about the journey you talk about (of coming through and out the other side).
What helped you?
What would you have done differently?
What are you doing now that you hadn’t done before?
Do you have a format in mind or could people send me questions or what would you prefer I am willing to share about it.
What helped me? I was surfing the web and came across “The Transforming Community” website and there is a list of 7 questions about ministry and they said if I answered yes to more than 1 they could help me. I answered yes to 5 out of 7. I took part in it for 2 years, 4x a year with small groups and counseling and accountability and I came through learning more about myself and ministry than I was ever taught in seminary.
What would I have done differently? I was serving a church that had a mindset of why do anything if we can pay someone else to do it. That left alot of things undone around the church and no one had enough pride in the building etc to do anything about it which I could not just stand by and watch so I ended up doing much much more than I should have ever done and even things I should never have done.
What am I doing now? I am allowing things to go undone and pointing it out to leaders and committees that “such and such” needs to be done. I am also saying “NO” alot more than I ever did.
At this point neither of my children want anything to do with the church as a result of all that happened to me and them during this time. My prayer is that they will someday come back to Christ.
If anyone has questions please feel free to email me.
Jim C – just getting off the road and reading some of today’s comment. Thank you for your vulnerability and openness. Please commit to praying for those who read this and need to hear it today.
I’m sure the serving strong community will all lift your children to the throne for his grace to be near in their day to day journeys. There is hope.
I’d have to agree with the stats. In my circle, I know there are lots of guys struggling to juggle life and work and family. The perfect family stats seems really true, since I know a few guys who really struggle when their kids get in trouble. Seems like some churches just assume a good minister raises great kids who never get in trouble.
SethCaddell recently posted..Why We Love Making Fun of Old Women
I was hoping everyone would comment saying, “No, these numbers are way off!” (wishful thinking)
Anyway, Scott – that’s a good question about benchmarking to the marketplace. I know a big theme seems to be increasing stress in the wake of the latest economic downturn in America and the debt problems overseas.
Burn out is a sad but true reality. Even those most devoted and those with great support can face this problem. Satan uses everything he can to deter and break God’s people. Leaders are not immune to his tricks, games and diseases.
TC Avey recently posted..Guest Post-check me out
TC, do you believe it’s possible for one day these numbers to be much lower, to nonexistent?
Sorry Scott, but I don’t think it can ever be NON-existent, not until we reach heaven. This world has too many pressures and too much drama. Satan has too many tools at his disposal and he has a strong desire to devour God’s people and keep the kingdom of God from advancing.
As for getting the numbers down- I pray for that to happen. We need a revival though, a real awakening to the power of God. I have heard so many stories and come across far too many Luke warm churches/pastors. We are in this world, but we must not be of this world.
TC Avey recently posted..Guest Post-check me out
We need revival. You nailed it, TC. As far as minimizing burnout, it must be done. There is a lot of self-inflicted pain out there. Education will help, but revival is paramount.
How can we bring about this revival?
Revival is paramount. It all begins with prayer. We have to really humble ourselves and seek God. We also have to be willing to step out of our comfort zones and be fully devoted to serving Christ.
God has been speaking to me about this topic for a while now. I’ve posted a few times on this. The latest one is http://tcavey.blogspot.com/2012/03/is-life-raining-on-you-or-are-you.html
We also have to completely trust in the promises of God.
I think revival starts with 2 Chron 7:14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
TC Avey recently posted..Guest Post-check me out
Scott – As a pastor for the past 15 years, and in a church which cares for my family; the expectations and demands are difficult to overcome. The work never ends, family gets put behind for ministry issues. While the church cares, they aren’t in the pastors shoes and really don’t have a full understanding of the pressures on the pastor’s family. That to me is one of the great issues. How does a pastor relate to the church the constant, never ending demands, (spoken and UNSPOKEN) so that the people get it?
There are days, I’d rather clean toilets, because I know I will fully accomplish what I set out to do. I have people I can vent and talk to, which helps, but . . .
This is the issue for which I believe God set Serving Strong into motion, Michael. We are entering the conversation of strongology to help beat situations like these.
In the meantime, I ask the rest of the readers to join me in praying for Michael.
Thanks Scott! I’d like to say more, but am not even sure what to say or what I think. Actually, your blog about depression hit home. Thanks for being a blessing, seeking to stay strong in Christ, not in myself!
Michael – if depression is lurking in there, please get in touch with your doctor. You also mentioned that you have people that you talk and vent to, but this might be an opportunity for you to see a trained counselor who will walk you through your pain.
I sense some hopelessness in the comment that you left … this can be a sign of depression. As a pastoral counselor {and a former burnout victim myself} please don’t let this go untended.
Blessings …
Linda Stoll recently posted..When Life is Confusing – 6 Recalibrating Truths
Thanks for caring enough to share, Linda. Michael is not alone and I bet there are many ministry leaders reading along thinking about their own situations right now too.
Let’s you and I commit to praying for the burnout/depression dynamic that seems to be so prevalent on the ministry landscape.
Well, Michael, let’s keep going with the conversation over time. One thing is for sure, you are not alone. There is a whole community of ministry leaders who are willing to lift you up in prayer and walk with you.
Linda had some good input as well.
[...] ministry for that matter) due to the issues that arise in the course of the journey. Last week, Scott Couchenour shared the following infographic on his blog that should scare everyone in [...]
Scott,
There are absolutely sobering and heartbreaking statistics. Pastors and their families need our prayers and unconditional support.
Thanks for keeping this issue in front of us and being a solution.
Brian
Your encouragement helps keep me strong, Brian. Thanks for the work YOU do in improving leadership across the globe.
May the Lord give all the strength necessary to all the pastors!
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