The Resilient Pastor Study: What We Can Learn Here, and How to Best Apply it to Our Devoted Church Community
As members of a church community, it is important for us to acknowledge the difficulties that pastors face in their roles. According to a recent report from Barna Research, the state of well-being among church pastors is concerning, with significant declines in various areas of their health, including physical, mental, emotional, and overall well-being.
The Resilient Pastor Study has provided eye-opening data on the well-being of pastors between 2015 and 2022, revealing that all aspects of their well-being have experienced a significant decrease. This decline has had a profound impact on pastors’ overall quality of life, their ability to form genuine friendships, and even the respect they receive from their community.
It is alarming to learn that pastors feel less energized by their work, less motivated to become better leaders, and less supported by those around them. Loneliness, isolation, mental and emotional exhaustion, and feelings of inadequacy have become prevalent among pastors.
However, amidst these troubling findings, there is hope. The research also highlights the importance of rest and self-care in improving pastors’ well-being. Prioritizing rest, incorporating Sabbath practices, and taking sabbaticals can be transformative for pastors. By focusing on their well-being, pastors can enhance their ability to support others and lead with renewed energy and vision.
Churches ought to recognize the significance of self-care and create supportive environments that encourage pastors to prioritize their well-being. The data collected for the Resilient Pastor research shows that pastors have been grappling with the challenges of their roles in recent years, and more pastors considered leaving their jobs in 2022 compared to the previous year.
The statistics are in, and the results are astounding! In 2015, a whopping 60% of pastors reported feeling frequently energized by their ministry work. Fast forward to 2022, and that number has dropped to a mere 40% – that’s a staggering decrease of 33.3%! This decline is significant and should not be overlooked.
It’s clear that pastors are facing challenges when it comes to finding fulfillment in their vocation, which can have detrimental effects on their overall well-being. It’s crucial that we rally together to provide support and address the underlying causes of their dissatisfaction. After all, our pastors play a vital role in serving and guiding our communities, and ensuring their mental health and happiness is paramount. So let’s take action and show our pastors the support they need to thrive in their vital roles as spiritual leaders.
View the survey results below
Pastors’ Emotions, then & now: How often (Frequently, Sometimes, Seldom, Never, Don’t Know), if ever, during the past three months have you felt …?
Energized by ministry work
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequently | 60% | 40% |
| Sometimes | 36% | 49% |
| Seldom | 4% | 10% |
| Never | N/A | 1% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Lonely or isolated from others
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequently | 14% | 18% |
| Sometimes | 38% | 47% |
| Seldom | 32% | 26% |
| Never | 16% | 9% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Well supported by people close to you
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequently | 68% | 49% |
| Sometimes | 29% | 43% |
| Seldom | 3% | 8% |
| Never | 0% | 1% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Inadequate for your ministry or calling
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 12% | 13% |
| Good | 46% | 51% |
| Average | 30% | 25% |
| Below average | 12% | 11% |
| Poor | N/A | N/A |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Motivated to become a better leader
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequently | 73% | 46% |
| Sometimes | 26% | 46% |
| Seldom | 1% | 8% |
| Never | N/A | N/A |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Emotionally or mentally exhausted
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequently | 21% | 32% |
| Sometimes | 54% | 47% |
| Seldom | 22% | 18% |
| Never | 3% | 3% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Pastors’ Satisfaction, then & now: Please rate (Excellent, Good, Average, Below average, Poor, Don’t know) how satisfied you are right now when it comes to: …?
Spiritual well-being
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 37% | 14% |
| Good | 51% | 57% |
| Average | 10% | 23% |
| Below average | 2% | 5% |
| Poor | N/A | 1% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Physical well-being
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 24% | 9% |
| Good | 43% | 35% |
| Average | 26% | 34% |
| Below average | 6% | 18% |
| Poor | 1% | 4% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Mental and Emotional health
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 39% | 11% |
| Good | 46% | 46% |
| Average | 12% | 32% |
| Below average | 3% | 10% |
| Poor | N/A | 1% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Overall quality of life
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 42% | 18% |
| Good | 48% | 55% |
| Average | 9% | 22% |
| Below average | 1% | 5% |
| Poor | N/A | N/A |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
The respect pastors receive by those in your surrounding community
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 22% | 10% |
| Good | 48% | 38% |
| Average | 21% | 37% |
| Below average | 7% | 9% |
| Poor | 2% | 3% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
Having True Friends
| 2015 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 34% | 17% |
| Good | 33% | 30% |
| Average | 21% | 26% |
| Below average | 10% | 20% |
| Poor | 2% | 7% |
| Don’t Know | N/A | N/A |
The Importance of Genuine Connections
One of the most concerning aspects of the study is the decline in the presence of true friends in the lives of pastors. The study suggests that pastors are experiencing a significant decrease in genuine connections. This lack of authentic relationships can profoundly impact their overall well-being, as friendships provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
To best apply the findings from the Resilient Pastor Study to our caring church community, we must foster a culture of genuine connection and support. We can do this by creating opportunities for pastors to interact with their members meaningfully, such as through small groups or one-on-one conversations.
These opportunities should encourage meaningful conversations and build trust between pastors and their members. Additionally, providing pastoral care resources such as counseling services or spiritual direction can help pastors stay connected with their members and ensure they receive the emotional support they need.
By implementing these strategies, we can create an environment of genuine connection and support within our church community that will help our pastors remain resilient in their roles.
Prioritizing Their Own Health and Well-being
Pastors themselves must prioritize their own physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It is crucial to proactively seek ways to maintain well-being, as this is essential for their ability to carry out their pastoral duties effectively. By fostering genuine friendships and prioritizing their well-being, pastors can better serve their congregations and continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, the latest survey conducted by Barna Research has uncovered a worrying decrease in the overall well-being of church pastors, specifically regarding their ability to find true friends. This underscores the importance of support and connection within the pastoral community.
As church leaders confront mounting challenges and pressures, they must receive the necessary care and support. By prioritizing their well-being and cultivating authentic friendships, pastors can enhance their ability to serve their congregations and remain a source of inspiration and guidance. Let’s extend our pastors the compassion and care they truly deserve.