This month is Pastor Appreciation Month. In today's devotional, "PASTORS," I write about some statistics to help you appreciate what many pastors are going through and feeling about ministry. May we all find ways to show our pastors appreciation this month and every month!
Blessings,
Jan
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Today's Devotional
"PASTORS"
by
Jan Andersen
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. The second Sunday of October is Pastor Appreciation Day. Those were started by Jerry Frear, who also had a ministry for pastors who were hurting. He is also the author of a much misquoted and old statistic about 1500 pastors leaving the ministry every month. That study was not done in a good statistical fashion, is over 25 years old, and may have actually said those pastors left their current ministry under duress, not that they totally quit being a pastor altogether. It is an inaccurate picture at the very least. Some things have improved. However, even updated good statistics on the state of pastors can be eye-opening.
Here are just a few newer stats about pastors, according to Pastoral Care Inc., an organization designed to support Christian ministers:
-72% of pastors work between 55 to 75 hours per week.
-72% of pastors work between 55 to 75 hours per week.
-80% feel the ministry has negatively affected their families; many pastor’s children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.
-78% say their vacation and personal time has been interrupted with ministry duties/expectations.
-90% report ministry was completely different from what they expected.
-45% spend 10-15 hours a week on sermon preparation.
-57% report they do not receive a livable wage and 57% are unable to pay their bills.
-75% report significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.
-80% of pastors and 84% of their spouses have felt unqualified and discouraged in their role at least once.
80% expect conflict in church, and 40% report at least one serious conflict with a parishioner in the past year.
70% do not have anyone to turn to for help in a crisis situation.
84% desire a close fellowship with someone they can trust and confide in.
(and I can tell you from other reports, the #1 concern for most pastors wives is lack of close friendships)
There are quite a few more stats on their web page, including some positive ones (see their list here: https://www.pastoralcareinc.com/statistics/ ). Especially encouraging are the improvements noted:
73% of churches are treating their pastors better. (didn’t say better than what!)
73% of churches are treating their pastors better. (didn’t say better than what!)
77% of pastors, especially millennials, are spending 20 or more hours per week with family.
90% of pastors feel they are called and in the place where God has called them to be.
Praise God!
If you are unsure of how to encourage your pastor, just do a quick internet search. Besides cards and gifts during this month, tell them specifically ways they have helped you or made a difference in your life. Give them specific examples of things you learned or connected with in their sermons and Bible studies/classes. Share with them what makes them special. Most importantly, pray for them throughout the year and tell them you are praying for them.
1 Corinthians 1:4-5 ESV I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.
Dear Father God, we thank you for our pastors and all that they faithfully do for the church. Help us to see their struggles, encourage their witness, and appreciate their gifts. May we all step up to help them and their families, building them up so that they may serve you joyfully. We pray that you bless them and their ministry to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Song:
PASTOR'S SONG
Donna Jackson
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"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching."
1 Timothy 5:17
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Prayers are lifted up daily you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers:
Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Karen Bennett,
Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors:
Kathy Bireley, Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,
Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns
Glenna Williamson, Shelly Keith, Amie Spruiell,
Lisabeth Lipp, and Nandita Bhatnagar
Lisabeth Lipp, and Nandita Bhatnagar
Once again you have nailed it in informing the readers of what is going on that we need to think about and observe. Hooray for pastors who lead us and guide our thoughts and continuing education. May they be blessed by their sacrifices..
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