2020 has been the most complex year I've ever experienced as a lead pastor.
Last night, I was talking with my wife about our emotional health as we approach the end of the year.
"I just feel so broken," she shared with honesty and transparency.
Turns out, we all feel like we're running on empty.
You are not alone.
A 2013 study from the Schaeffer Institute reports that 1,700 pastors leave the ministry each month, citing depression, burnout, or being overworked as the primary reasons.
According to the study, 90% of pastors report working 55 to 70 hours a week, and 50% of them feel unable to meet the demands of the job.
Brian Dodd states that pastoring has one of the top three suicide rates of any profession.
He admonishes congregation members for not supporting their faithful leaders.
He claims that complaining, often inconsiderate members increase the stress and expect too much of their pastors.
Reasons for Pastoral Burnout
Some of the common causes for pastor burnout are:
- Being on call 24/7;
- Criticism and poor conflict resolution skills;
- Trying to please or solve everyone’s problems;
- Not delegating tasks;
- Poor social networks;
- Not equipped for all aspects of ministry;
- Limited social life outside the church.
Scott Sauls said that oftentimes, pastors feel “lonely” within their own communities.”
“Case in point, 2020,” he said. “You've got this dynamic where reality is 70% of pastors right now around America are looking for another job.”
Because of the pandemic, many pastors feel “ghosted” by their congregations, the pastor said.
“Our people feel like they're still with us because they see us and hear us from their living rooms, and yet, we just have this complete void of relationship,” he explained. “Oftentimes, people treat the church as a consumer good, [but pastors] see the church as our family ... so the dynamic of loneliness and isolation is amplified in a time like this.”
The current “negativity of environment” is often “taken out” on caregivers like pastors and therapists, Sauls contended.
“It really is the perfect emotional storm right now for pastors,” he said. “Fighting against isolation is utterly essential.”
Need A Lift?
I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do know based on these stats and my own experience in 2020, we need each other.
You can't do life and leadership alone.
Even Jesus did ministry with a team!
I would be honored to welcome you to our weekly online Coaching Cohort -- for a limited time at no cost, no strings attached.
Like you, I'm concerned about pastors and leaders feeling isolated and alone.
Let's change that.
REGISTER NOW to join us this Tuesday, 10am EST on Zoom.
Comments