Pressures of Ministry

The numbers are staggering. 80% of pastors feel discouraged in their role and 50% would leave the ministry if they had another way of making a living. The numbers are even higher for the spouse where 85% struggle with depression and 80% wish their spouse would choose another profession. 80% of pastors say they have insufficient time with spouse and that ministry has a negative effect on their family.
40% report a serious conflict with a parishioner once a month.
33% say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family.
75% report they’ve had significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.
58% of pastors indicate that their spouse needs to work either part time or full time to supplement the family income.
56% of pastors’ wives say they have no close friends.
Pastors who work fewer than 50 hrs/week are 35% more likely to be terminated.
40% of pastors considered leaving the pastorate in the past three months. Such numbers are too profound to overlook.

To enter ministry is to often enter a world of pain, discouragement and frustration. It is because of these statistics we need to prepare our young people who are being called into the ministry. We must prepare them for real work, serious work.

What are some key ways we could and should prepare people for the ministry?

The first step to make sure their perspective is to maintain a biblical view of themselves and their ministry. In many ways our culture has placed unrealistic expectations on pastors and church leaders and their role. Leaders are pressured to lead the church to new heights of attendance and increase the number of programs within the church, all with little funds and sometimes little help from the congregation. Furthermore, our culture has instilled within us the expectation that life should be free from difficulties and hardships. This almost sets leaders up for failure or at the best, disappointment.

The scriptures warn us that to enter ministry is to enter a life of difficulty and struggles (2 Corinthians 7:5; 11:24-29). We are also in the midst of a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). While leaders may complain about the hardships they face, Paul saw it as a badge of honour to suffer for the cause of Christ (Colossians 1:24; see also Philippians 1:29 where the word “granted” is the Greek word referring to a graciously given gift). The reason he had this perspective is because he recognized that the strength from ministry comes not from ourselves or even our training, but from the hand of a sovereign and gracious God who empowers us to accomplish His purpose (Col 1:29).

The second perspective is to make sure that leaders are taking care of themselves and their families physically and emotionally. God recognized the importance of rest when he instituted the Sabbath day. This is equally true for leaders in ministry. Working seven days a week is a recipe for burnout in ministry and neglect of spouse and family. We need to make sure that leaders take the time to be renewed and take the time to be with family and spend time with their children. God makes it clear that He expects us first and foremost to care for the needs of family so that they do not become the sacrificial lamb on the altar of ministry (1 Timothy 3:4-5).

The third perspective is leaders need to develop a network of individuals who can offer support, encouragement and perspective. Moses needed Aaron and Joshua, Paul needed Barnabas and Titus. Tragically 70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor. They need to develop these relationships. It may be with a fellow pastor in the community, it may be with a fellow missionary, it may be with a friend that they can talk with once a week or month. If they do not have a close friend, then they need to start praying for one, immediately.

Fourth, leader must seek help when they need it. Often there can be a “pastoral pride” that exists that hinders leaders from seeking help. Pastors especially can feel the pressure to always have their act together and that it is somehow a sign of weakness to seek the help of others. They can forget that leaders also are human beings struggling in a difficult ministry. There are times when pastors need to be “pastored.” There are times when leaders need the counsel and input of others. There is no shame it getting help. Proverbs states that it is the wise who seek the input of others. It is the fool who thinks that he does not need the assistance of others.

Leaders need to realize that ministry has been, is, and always will be a difficult and painful calling. They must also realize that ministry will continue whenthey are gone. Everything does not centre around the leader but around the LORD. However, leaders must also realize that God’s grace is always sufficient and that where there is trouble there is also His sustaining hand.

I love being a pastor at Royal Heights. I fall in the 20% bracket where I enjoy my minstry. I have real friends. I have a loving wife and family. I am priviledged. Thank you LORD!