Why do pastors leave local churches? A new book gives us some insights. In their book, Pastors in Transition, Dean R. Hoge and Jacqueline Wenger give us some results from a recent Pulpit and Pew research project. Among the main reasons pastors are calling it quits:

–preference for another form of ministry

–the need to care for children or family

–conflict in the congregation

–conflict with denominational leaders

–burnout

–discouragement

–sexual misconduct

–divorce or marital problems

On a similar note, a recent article published in the Honolulu Advertiser:

–48% of pastors think their work is hazardous to their family well-being.

–45.5% will experience a burnout or a depression that will make them leave their jobs.

–70% percent say their self-esteem is lower now than when they started their position.

–Pastors have the second-highest divorce rate among professions.

–For every 20 people who go into the pastorate only one retires from the ministry.

Hoge and Wenger say in their book that their research showed that of all those pastors who had to leave their churches because of sexual misconduct, 75 percent indicated that they were lonely and isolated.

And across all denominations, the researchers kept hearing the same things from the pastors who are leaving:

–“I felt drained by demands.” –“I felt lonely and isolated.” –“I did not feel supported by denominational officials.” –“I felt bored and constrained.”

As a matter of fact, the authors found that “These pastors tended to be loners in the district or presbytery, for whatever reason not part of ministerial friendship groups or action groups.”

Loneliness and isolationism are huge factors for pastors. I mean, who can a pastor confide in? Who can a pastor share his struggles with? Who can a pastor get help from when they need help?

It’s hard to talk to your peers sometimes; especially when you’re going through a dark period of sin or depression. Confidentiality is a factor. So is pride.

It’s hard to talk to your denominational leaders; especially when they are your boss; and control your future.

It’s hard to talk to your congregation; because you also have to be their pastor; and many have a hard time keeping your confidence a priority.

It’s hard to talk with your friends outside the church; mostly because most pastors don’t have any. (Sad, but true… most relationships of pastors and church leaders fall into the first three categories).

– MondayMorningInsight 27/11/2006