"Take a look, if your dare, at just a few of the gut-wrenching statistics compiled by George Barna, Focus on the Family, and other respected organizations:
-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.
-Only 1 out of every 10 ministers will actually retire as a minister in some form.
-The profession of Pastor is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions.
-Over 4,000 churches closed in America last year. That’s more than 10 every single day.
-Many denominations report an “empty pulpit crisis”. They cannot find ministers willing to fill positions.
-More than 50% of all pastors are so discouraged that they regularly consider leaving the 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 feel left out and unappreciated by the church members.
-80% of pastors’ wives wish their spouse would choose another profession.
-50% of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.
-70% of pastors constantly fight depression.
What in the world is happening? Something has gone horribly wrong. And I didn’t even bother to include all the grizzly statistics of the pastors who get involved in adultery and other horrid things, often with members of their own church. But you’ve already seen enough of that on the news, as has the rest of the watching world… ad nauseam.
I have to tell you, this stuff really shakes me up, not only for all the obvious reasons, but because I’m a pastor, and I know I’m not immune from any of this mess. I think about my family, our church, the cause of Christ, and it makes me tremble to consider what’s at stake."
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