New Data About Clergy Health

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and one of the best ways to show appreciation to your pastor is through empathy and understanding. How are ministers doing today? How is your minister doing today? In today’s article, I’ll try to paint a picture for you, using data from the Barna Group’s State of Pastors Report.

• New data shows that many indicators of health are trending in the right direction, but pastors still need our prayers and our support. Knowing these recent findings will help you know how to support your pastor best this month and every month.

Five insights to help you care for your pastor

1. Good News: “Only” One-Third of Pastors Are Considering Quitting

• In March 2022, 42 percent of pastors reported they were considering leaving their jobs. The stat now stands at 33 percent. Without a doubt, this improvement is because the acute stressors of the pandemic are in the rearview mirror (and maybe because some of the ones who were considering quitting did end up quitting?).
• Even though this is good news, one-third is still a huge number. It represents a lot of your pastors, weary from time in the trenches of church renewal, silently thinking about walking away. What can you do to support them in their time of need?

2. Job Satisfaction Overall Is Rising

• Pastoring is extremely challenging work, but it is also very rewarding work! Pastors who report they are very satisfied with their vocation grew from 52 percent in 2022 to 59 percent in 2023.
• What can you do to help your pastor see and appreciate the fruits of their labor? How can you help your pastor find satisfaction in their role on staff, council, and among the congregation?

3. Satisfaction with Particular Churches Lags Behind

• While pastors report high satisfaction with their vocation in general, a smaller percentage report being very satisfied with ministry at their current church (47 percent).
• Working in a particular church with a particular group of people is more challenging than speaking about a vocation more broadly. How can you help your pastor deal with the unique challenges of leading your congregation?

4. Age and Gender Discrepancies Are Strong

• Women are less likely than men to express they are very satisfied with their current ministry (32 percent vs. 49 percent). The similar discrepancy exists when comparing younger pastors to older pastors (38 percent vs. 50 percent).
• If you have a young pastor or a female pastor (or a young female pastor!), please realize that ministry challenges may affect them at a higher rate. Pay particular attention to their needs and start by asking what those needs are.

5. Confidence Is Rising

• In 2022, only 35 percent of pastors said they were more confident in their calling than when they started ministry, with many losing confidence in their calling. In 2023, 51 percent reported they are more confident in their calling — a large increase!
• The affirmation of others is one ingredient in sensing a call from God into ministry. If you believe your pastor is called to ministry, be sure to affirm that calling regularly!

With 10 days left in Pastor Appreciation Month, what can you do to ensure your pastor does not have to walk through these challenges alone? And why stop in October? Let’s remember to support our pastors year-round! It is one of the best investments you can make as you work toward revitalizing your church.