Podcast Episode #318
Based on several research projects over the past two decades, it’s safe to say pastoral tenure is increasing. Today we look at six reasons behind this increase.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- Pastoral tenure has almost doubled over the past 20 years.
- Baby boomer pastors know that if they leave a church, it will be tougher to find another one because of their age.
- We are not seeing the “ladder climbing” when pastors would move from church to church like we used to.
- Bigger churches don’t always equate to better ministry positions.
- We need both catalytic church planters and community church planters.
- Long pastoral tenure connects you with a community.
- Only 10% of senior pastors live in a church parsonage.
The six reasons for increased pastoral tenure we discuss are:
- Baby boomer pastors are delaying retirement.
- Moving to larger churches is no longer considered a career path by many pastors.
- More pastors feel called to a community as well as a church.
- Financial insecurities impact the mobility of some pastors.
- Many pastors are less likely to move for family reasons.
- More pastors understand the benefit of staying at one place longer.
Episode Sponsors
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