About one-third of you readers are laypersons. This article is for you. Of course, I know pastors and other vocational ministry leaders will be reading as well. Perhaps, more than my article, they will be reading your comments. They will be searching eagerly to see if anyone has a word of encouragement. They may be anticipating the responses will be a barrage of negativity they have become accustomed to receiving.
Please hear me clearly. The vast majority of pastors with whom our team communicates are saying they are considering quitting their churches. It’s a trend I have not seen in my lifetime. Some are just weeks away from making an announcement. They are looking for work in the secular world. Some will move to bivocational ministry. Some will move to marketplace ministry.
But many will move.
Why has this period of great discouragement ensued? Of course, it is connected to COVID-19, but the pandemic really just exacerbated trends already in place. We would have likely gotten to this point in the next three to five years regardless.
I also want you to know that these pastors do not think they will be leaving ministry. They just believe the current state of negativity and apathy in many local churches is not the most effective way they can be doing ministry.
So, they are leaving or getting ready to leave. There are many reasons why, but allow me to share the top six reasons, understanding that they are not mutually exclusive.
- Pastors are weary from the pandemic, just like everyone else. Pastors are not super humans. They miss their routines. They miss seeing people as they used to do so. They would like the world to return to normal, but they realize the old normal will not return.
- Pastors are greatly discouraged about the fighting taking place among church members about the post-quarantine church. Gather in person or wait? Masks or no masks? Social distancing or not? Too many church members have adopted the mindset of culture and made these issues political fights. Pastors deal daily with complaints about the decisions the church makes.
- Pastors are discouraged about losing members and attendance. For sure, it’s not all about the numbers. But imagine your own mindset if one-half or more of your friends stopped engaging with you. And pastors have already heard directly or indirectly from around one-fourth of the members that they do not plan to return at all.
- Pastors don’t know if their churches will be able to support ministries financially in the future. In the early stages of the pandemic, giving was largely healthy. Church members stepped up. Government infusion of funds for businesses and consumers helped as well. Now, the financial future is cloudy. Can the church continue to support the ministries they need to do? Will the church need to eliminate positions? These issues weigh heavily on pastors.
- Criticisms against pastors have increased significantly. One pastor recently shared with me the number of criticisms he receives are five times greater than the pre-pandemic era. Church members are worried. Church members are weary. And the most convenient target for their angst is their pastor.
- The workload for pastors has increased greatly. Almost every pastor with whom we communicate expresses surprise at their level of work since the pandemic began. It really makes sense. They are trying to serve the congregation the way they have in the past, but now they have the added responsibilities that have come with the digital world. And as expected, pastoral care needs among members have increased during the pandemic as well.
Pastors are burned out, beaten up, and downtrodden.
Many are about to quit.
You may be surprised to discover your pastor is among them.
Posted on August 31, 2020
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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427 Comments
What a crying shame this should be happening now of all times. I pray The Lord Jesus intervenes & lifts his church back up to even higher heights than it was before this nonsense 19 happened.
Stay strong Pastors, you are deeply loved.
Thanks Thom my wife and I are going through a terrible time at our church. We have ministered for almost 25 years. Recently we we attacked by people in our congregation when some got covid And blamed it on us . Please pray we are so hurt and discouraged thank you !
Good article. The most important line for me is, “the pandemic really just exacerbated trends already in place.” The vast majority of church members want a return to normal. Something the pastor can’t provide. But the point is, this is NOT a new problem. Consumerism in the church, corporate models, and pharisaical-like hierarchies have been with us for 1700 years. They are all problems the church must address and reimagine.
I will just add to the discussion that every Christian has a Biblical obligation to step up and do the work of the ministry. If your pastor is feeling tired and near defeat, I would venture to say that it is because he is shouldering far too much of the burden alone.
A common phrase heard today is “we’re in this together”, and nowhere should that phrase ring more true than the church of Jesus Christ. We are a BODY, and as such we cannot function as we are supposed to unless all of the Body’s members are performing as they should.
Casting blame, as several here have done, is an indictment on the lack of wisdom and maturity among those casting stones. This is not a time for blame, it is a time which should be the church’s finest hour! Covid has presented to the Church innumerable challenges, but also innumerable opportunities for ministry.
I believe every lay member should go to your Pastor and ask him “how can I help” What needs done around here”? Work WITH your Pastor, not against him. Let him know that you’ve got his back and yes, that you are in this together! Personally, my plate is FULL with tasks that I have taken from my Pastor, and I rejoice that I can support him and the ministry. I’m doing things now that I never dreamed I would be doing…and loving every minute of it!
Pastors, I believe you need to become transparent to the extent that your congregation knows what the needs are. Your flock needs to see that you are human and cannot do this all alone. Let them know that you are weary. If the naysayers have a problem with that, let them. If the few that believe “it’s the preachers job” won’t get on board, so be it! That is on them, not you. You are responsible for proclaiming the whole counsel of God. God is responsible for changing their attitudes. Stay in your lane and let God do what only God can do.
We (the Church) can either be the lighthouse our communities so desperately need during this time, or we can allow this virus to define us as having failed to rise to the challenges presented to us. The choice is ours to make, and I humbly pray that we make the right choice.
Blessings to all
I am a Pastor and I serve a congregation that before this pandemic was around 450. While I agree that the list is happening, I have not been experiencing most of this list. I. I am, like everyone else weary from this pandemic, I mean if you’re not weary, you may need to see a counselor. 2. I have not experienced a fighting congregation, but a hopeful and faithful one. Though we have not always agreed, we disagreed in love, and whatever decision our church council made, was supported by all. 3. Though I am concerned about the financial future of the church (we know it may be a long while before we return to post-pandemic attendance, if ever) I have been overwhelmed and even perplexed by the fact that our giving has actually increased. In fact, our giving exceeded our budget in June. I have never experienced that happening in any church I have served and I have been in ministry over 35 years. 4. I have not received real criticism, but I have experienced an increase in encouraging emails and phone calls, as have our staff. Everyone seems to realize that ALL church staff feel like the Ancient Hebrews. We have always been making bricks, but now we’re forced to make bricks without straw. 6. My workload may have increased slightly, due to the need to do new things. But at the same time, many of the things I used to do, such as hospital and nursing home visitation, I have been unable to do. Honestly, the biggest increase in my workload has been spent assuring, counseling and affirming the church staff, who are worried for the future. I do think you should consider a sixth reason why some Pastors are considering the possibility of leaving the ministry. 6. God is calling them out of ministry. I have always believed that people go into Pastoral ministry for 2 reasons; “They can’t do anything else” or “God will not let them be happy doing anything else” Obviously, these are not the same thing. Pastoral ministry MUST be a calling. Jesus never promised that life would be problem free, far from it, he promised problems and trouble, but he also promised he would be with us in the midst of the problems. We Pastors have a huge opportunity right now to preach that message with authenticity, because all of us are suffering together. While I know that there are antagonists in the church who can make a Pastor’s life miserable, I also know that every church has dear Saints who hold the Pastor up in prayer. Pastoral ministry is NOT for everyone, it is a sacred calling. As painful as it is, the truth is that there are some who go into ministry who are not called, others whom God calls, but later calls out of ministry. God may well be using this pandemic to strengthen the church from both ends; laity and clergy
Thank you for that refreshing point of view. I pray your church prospers as God leads you.
Pastor’s are missing the opportunity to preach about the end times and how all of this current turmoil is temporary and God is trying to make a point for them and their churches to get busy evangelizing to all who will listen ! ll Peter 3:9 states God’s wishes for everyone and pastors must carry this to everyone and start a revival in his church and community ! Revelation is current and their fear to preach it is not obedient to their calling ! In ✝️ Christian love
The Christian organized religion model is deeply flawed and has profoundly failed the larger society relative to the purposes set out for us in the teachings of our professed namesake-read the beatitudes and weep. Where there is challenge there is opportunity. Jesus didn’t rip the leaders in the temple for nothing. We need a vision change….the opportunity has never been greater…take up the discussion. Be in aw of God and let that aw begin with the acknowledgement that we, INDEED, know nothing about this great power. When you arrive at that point you are ready to join the discussion…until then you are simply a worthless tinkling cymbal-and you pastors should quit.
Thank you for this article. It speaks truth. However, for whatever reason, you missed another elephant in the room. What about the pastors who are considering leaving because of the ubiquitous covert racism that has been uncovered. Having addressed it they are fed up with the backlash and flat out denial that systemic racism is a serious societal issue.
Yessss
Parishioners are too often Picky, Judgemental, Quick to find fault or even invent it.They do not want truth only so calledBible “Truths”, which means leave us where we are, we want to be nice.After over 30 years in Holy Orders, I have seen this many times
My pastor’s preaching has become more urgent, passionate, and is with compassion during this time. I am so thankful and wrote a letter to him and his wife to let him know how grateful I am. I have been so challenged and helped in my walk with The Lord. Yes, we are facing some obstacles but our God is greater than any obstacle. Looking forward to see what God is going to do! I am blessed!
You probably have no idea how encouraging it is for him and his wife that they got a positive letter from you. Encourage others to do so as well. And keep writing them. Blessings to you!
I’ve discussed this article with one of my pastors, I’m the council president. It isn’t just pastors that are considering leaving its the volunteer leadership too. I’ve become the complaint department for all things our congregation thinks we’re doing wrong while managing thinly veiled threats of I’m leaving the church if I don’t get my way. This isn’t Burger King folks! I am surprised about the lack of faith and strength our members have….wondering if they ever really listened to the gospel message or if church was a ritual on their social calendar as something to do on a Sunday morning? I am angry, frustrated, disappointed, weary and sad at my congregational members, they are the very people I sit next to on any given Sunday – the pastors are doing their jobs, the flock is not listening. For some reason church members think the church should always be there for them no matter what, how come the church can’t expect the same loyalty in return?
For those with the loudest voices I’ve asked them what can we do to improve the worship experience while following the CDC guidelines, what suggestions to you have for outreach within and outside our congregation, are their new small group ministries ideas, etc…instead of complaining try being a part of the solution – #1 answer has been I don’t know. Sad state of affairs if the real reason they don’t want to come to church is because they have to wear a mask for an hour or less. Is this really about leadership or more about what each member feels they are individually entitled to?
We’ve opened the doors and allowed the devil to walk right in, we’ve invited him with open arms! It’s time to kick him out and put God back in His house!
You hit the nail on the head with the “This Isn’t Burger King!” Often otherwise good people raise havoc when the church becomes about them & they want it “their” way & don’t give any consideration to what the Holy Spirit wants!
Yep. Imagine the frustration JESUS had when HIS very 12 didn’t listen. When HE preached GOD to HIS Own people, the Jews, only to be ridiculed and threatened. When, in the garden, HE asked them to stay awake and watch as HE mourned HIS fate to be crucified for the world…And they couldn’t stay awake one hour!
I’ve been where you are and I’ve seen exactly what you’ve said. People are stupid, selfish, and usually faithless. There was not so great a faith in all Israel to believe The MASTER could heal the sick and raise the dead with but a word. But a Roman had that faith!
But look to The FAITHFUL ONE instead of the sheep. HE doesn’t fail us! And with HIM, we never stand alone! It’s not easy to let it roll off day in and day out. But look to The FAITHFUL ONE! And pray for the sheep! “Do you Love ME?” Of course you do. So feed the sheep! “Do you Love ME?” Of course you do. So feed the sheep! “Do you Love me?” Of course you do. So feed the sheep! Blessings to you in all that you do that pleases The FAITHFUL ONE and blessings as you feed the sheep!
There is much to be said for getting your ‘batteries’ recharged. The human cost to the pastor of ‘doing ministry’ has always been high, the current circumstances notwithstanding. One of the big crunches pastors feel is financial. They are saddled with a massive building mortgage in many cases, stresses about healthcare costs for their families and themselves, as well as often being confused about what real ministry is. If someone is a pastor their real mission is to feed people and to equip them to use the gifts that God has given them for his glory.
That is not always about standing up behind the pulpit at a certain time. I would argue that the majority of actual pastoring is done somewhere other than behind the pulpit in building relationships and leveraging those relationships with integrity in order to bring about the best spiritual effect in the lives of your congregants. I would venture to say that people who think that ministry ceases if they cannot hold services in a building and are constantly stressed about losing their position or the pay for their position need to simply think about pivoting not quitting. Doing the right thing the wrong way is the surest path to feeling like you should quit. There is ALWAYS a right way to do the right thing.
I am seeing this article just now, forwarded as email from a dear Christian life long friend who all his life has been deeply involved in church work, and volunteer work, etc, the list is endless. And I appreciate this article because it sheds light on yet another group of wonderful leaders, in the church, who are dealing with so much. I would imagine that for some pastors, the church family may be the only family they have, and needless to say, church friends may undoubtedly be the best friends they have. They too are experiencing loss and witnessing changes in their work. Think there is tendency to forget that strong leaders suffer just as much as the rest of us do. They are human. It made me think of a few funeral services I have attended in recent months for a few dear friends, and sadly, I think that some folks think that only the family members related to the one who died, are going thru grief. Sometimes a dear friend has been the one closest to that person and may know more about the person’s life that the average family member. So to all the church goers who are dealing with changes in the church and not being able to gather right now for services, please remember that your pastor misses you too, and both of you must persevere and keep communicating thru these very trying times, and remember that we all are trying to deal with it all, not just ourselves….remember that we are not the only ones suffering during these times.
I spent several recent years working with some friends at their church ministry as volunteer, and it was a wonderful experience, to witness this group dedicated to spreading the gospel and uplifting the lives of the less fortunate. It was the satisfaction and blessing seen by volunteers when being able to help people and feel that they are doing God’s work. I had lost my husband and I knew that volunteer work would certainly bring on healing. Pastors surely are saddened when their work is interrupted and they are unable to reach out from the church and give peace and understanding to those who need it, and also to enlighten the congregation to better understanding of the gospel and Jesus Christ.
I too, like many others, are stunned at the unrest in our country, and the depths to which the blame for so much is aimed at others, but individuals really must be accountable for his/her own actions.
We have to keep in mind that things our country is going thru are some of the worst events we have ever seen, unimaginable.
As my mother would often tell us, it is not what we are faced with in life, it is how we deal with it that matters, how we see it through.
I pray that our churches survive these current difficult and unpredictable times. The pastor and congregation find good ways to communicate and stay in touch, and always relay the message that we miss each other and look forward to the joy that we will feel when church doors are open and we are able to join together to worship.
God Bless the pastors around this great country.