The local church ministry is a dangerous job. It doesn’t appear to be, but statistically it ranks in the same category as deep sea welders and loggers. It is behind crab fishermen, but ahead of munitions workers.
The overuse of statistics can cause ones eye’s to glaze over and roll back, but I’ll take that risk and share some with you some statistics regarding pastoral ministry as related by Rev. Eugene Cho in an article dated March 14, 2011:
48% believe that their work is hazardous to their family’s well being
45% will experience burnout or depression that will make them leave their jobs
70% report that they’ve had a significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry
33% say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family
The ministry is a complex calling: a calling where compartmentalizing is impossible. I don’t know anyone involved in ministry who leaves their work at the office at the end of the day. A quick stop at the supermarket can result in an impromptu counseling session. Standing in the checkout line can become an opportunity for outreach. Pastoral visits can take place at the post office, coffee shop or restaurant and at the least expected time.
Peter reminded us to “be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) The truth is that anyone involved in pastoral ministry should not be surprised by the unexpected.
I love being a pastor and have had the privilege of serving some fine churches filled with many wonderful people. I am thankful that I serve a church that is very encouraging and supportive of my ministry. However, too often that isn’t the case for many of my colleagues.
Let me encourage you who are trudging through this to care, pray and love the staff that serve your congregation. Be generous and supportive of them. Honor their spouses, love their children, pray for them and regularly share your appreciation and affirmation.
Let me state clearly that this is a two-way street. Let me encourage pastors, ministers, clergy and church staff to care, pray and love the congregation you are called to serve. We get what we give. Mutual admiration and support should exist between the clergy and the congregants.
Despite the intense nature of pastoral ministry, it is immensely rewarding and fulfilling. A recent survey stated that clergy ranked by far as the most satisfied and most generally happy of 198 occupations surveyed. Eighty-seven percent of clergy said they were “very satisfied” with their work, compared with an average of 47 percent of all workers.
While pastoral ministry is at times exhausting, draining, depressing and overwhelming, it is also meaningful and fulfilling.
God bless you pastors. God bless your spouses and your children. May you bless your flock and may you be blessed by them. Together may you bless the Lord!
The overuse of statistics can cause ones eye’s to glaze over and roll back, but I’ll take that risk and share some with you some statistics regarding pastoral ministry as related by Rev. Eugene Cho in an article dated March 14, 2011:
48% believe that their work is hazardous to their family’s well being
45% will experience burnout or depression that will make them leave their jobs
70% report that they’ve had a significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry
33% say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family
The ministry is a complex calling: a calling where compartmentalizing is impossible. I don’t know anyone involved in ministry who leaves their work at the office at the end of the day. A quick stop at the supermarket can result in an impromptu counseling session. Standing in the checkout line can become an opportunity for outreach. Pastoral visits can take place at the post office, coffee shop or restaurant and at the least expected time.
Peter reminded us to “be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) The truth is that anyone involved in pastoral ministry should not be surprised by the unexpected.
I love being a pastor and have had the privilege of serving some fine churches filled with many wonderful people. I am thankful that I serve a church that is very encouraging and supportive of my ministry. However, too often that isn’t the case for many of my colleagues.
Let me encourage you who are trudging through this to care, pray and love the staff that serve your congregation. Be generous and supportive of them. Honor their spouses, love their children, pray for them and regularly share your appreciation and affirmation.
Let me state clearly that this is a two-way street. Let me encourage pastors, ministers, clergy and church staff to care, pray and love the congregation you are called to serve. We get what we give. Mutual admiration and support should exist between the clergy and the congregants.
Despite the intense nature of pastoral ministry, it is immensely rewarding and fulfilling. A recent survey stated that clergy ranked by far as the most satisfied and most generally happy of 198 occupations surveyed. Eighty-seven percent of clergy said they were “very satisfied” with their work, compared with an average of 47 percent of all workers.
While pastoral ministry is at times exhausting, draining, depressing and overwhelming, it is also meaningful and fulfilling.
God bless you pastors. God bless your spouses and your children. May you bless your flock and may you be blessed by them. Together may you bless the Lord!
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