More than 1,700 pastors leave the ministry every month.
This staggering number includes some of the brightest, most inspiring pastors in the country. To prevent the continued flight of our pastors, we need to understand the cause of the problem. Though every situation is unique, the reasons pastors leave are often similar.
Here are 10 common reasons pastors quit too soon.
1. Discouragement.
Complaints speak louder than compliments. You can receive 15 compliments and one complaint, and the complaint will stick.
When you hear criticism and look out to see empty pews, it can be difficult to recognize the positive impact you’re making. The key is to remember: No matter how much negative you hear, you’re always doing 10 times more good.
2. Failure.
Many pastors have difficulty recognizing success. They compare themselves to other pastors and other ministries. Comparisons produce only two outcomes:
(1) You think you’re better, which results in excessive pride,
or (2) you feel like you don’t measure up, which creates a sense of failure.
The key is not to compare, but to celebrate your successes.
3. Loneliness.
With so many people looking to pastors for guidance, it can be difficult for pastors to let their guards down. They don’t want to come across as less than perfect. They feel they can’t be transparent and vulnerable. That creates a sense of isolation.
It’s important for pastors to find people they can open up and share their struggles with, instead of absorbing and isolating.
4. Moral Failure.
The moral failures of pastors are magnified more than the average person. The key to avoiding moral failures is creating a system of risk prevention.
When you meet with someone of the opposite sex: Let your spouse know, never meet behind closed doors and do not discuss relationship issues. For pornography, software is available to monitor or block Web activity.
5. Financial Pressure.
Most ministries are nonprofits, so pastors are not compensated well. When you can’t fully provide the life you want for your family, it makes it hard to continue. Then you look at friends not in the ministry with big houses and nice cars.
Pastors can relieve the pressure with better financial planning. Try following the 80-10-10 rule—10 percent to church, 10 percent to savings and 80 percent to live off.
6. Anger.
When things aren’t going well, pastors become angry—with others, themselves or God. Thoughts fall along these lines: “I did everything you told me. I went to seminary. I started a ministry. Why are you not doing what you said?” The worst thing about anger is it spreads like wildfire.
The medicine for anger is forgiveness. We have to forgive so we can move forward.
7. Burnout.
Pastors are put on a treadmill. They go from the ministry to a hospital visit to writing a sermon to meeting with congregation members. They just keep running until there’s no passion or energy left. They become exhausted and depleted.
Vacations and sabbaticals can provide perspective. Another key is empowering other leaders so all the weight is not on the pastor’s shoulders.
8. Physical Health.
Many pastors overwork themselves and simply do not care for their bodies. When you’re busy, it’s easy to eat poorly. But eating the right foods is essential to physical health. It’s the difference between fueling the body and depleting the body.
Pastors also don’t get enough rest or regular exercise. Exercise makes a huge difference in physical and mental health.
9. Marriage/Family Problems.
Too often, a pastor’s spouse and children end up taking a backseat to the ministry. The key is balance.
Marriage has to be a top priority. Your relationship with your spouse is the most important relationship you have on this earth.
You have to nurture your family relationships—whether that means having family night or seeking counseling.
10. Too Busy/Driven.
A lot of pastors simply are not working efficiently. They are not protecting their calendars or giving themselves the space they need. They haven’t learned how to say “no.” Being busy is not always being productive. Pastors need to find ways to maximize the use of their time. You have to learn how to say “no” at the right times.
Take a look at these 10 points, then pray and ask God: What area do I really need to address? Where am I struggling?
Once you identify the areas where you need to improve, take these three steps:
1. Ask for help. If you’re struggling, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking someone for help.
2. Institute accountability. Find a group or person to keep you accountable in the areas you think you are weak.
3. Take ownership of your choices. More than anyone else, you control the path you walk.
Take actions and precautions to make sure you don’t let any of these 10 reasons separate you from your passion for the ministry and your calling.
* Author : Tim Peters is creator of Sayge and a ten year church communications veteran. Sayge is an intentional, all-in-one, church marketing and communications monthly training resource that is designed to help Church Leaders master the basics of church marketing and communications. More from Tim Peters or visit Tim at http://timpeters.org/