An analysis of studies conducted by Lifeway Research in the U.S. has identified several factors that predict whether a Protestant pastor is likely to remain in ministry or step away.
The research, which compared data from current and former pastors, provides insight into the professional and personal elements that contribute to a pastor's career longevity.
The study reports that a small percentage of pastors, specifically 1.1% of all U.S. Protestant pastors, leave their ministry roles each year before retirement. By examining the responses of both current and former pastors to a series of statements, the research team was able to pinpoint specific dynamics that correlate with a pastor’s likelihood of remaining in the pulpit.
The findings point to several areas of influence, including a pastor's family life, the expectations set by their congregation, their professional relationships, and the presence of conflict. The data suggests that a pastor’s ability to manage these aspects is a strong indicator of their endurance in ministry.
Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, commented on the significance of the findings.
“Experts can theorize what keeps pastors in the pulpit, but only a comparison of pastors who have stayed to those who have left can point to what matters,” said McConnell.
He added that this unique opportunity to see what helps and what diminishes a pastor’s likelihood of staying in pastoral ministry points to practical areas that pastors and their congregations can invest in for longevity.
The research found a strong correlation between a pastor’s family life and their continued service. Pastors who prioritize their family when faced with time conflicts are 1.7 times more likely to remain in their role. Conversely, a pastor's likelihood of leaving decreases by a factor of 1.3 with each step of agreement to the statement that their family resents the demands of ministry. A significant portion of former pastors (41%) reported this resentment, compared to just 16% of current pastors.
The study also highlighted the importance of a pastor's personal relationships within the church. Isolation was a common theme among former pastors, with 68% reporting they felt isolated in their position. This contrasts with only one-third of current pastors who shared a similar feeling. A pastor is 1.7 times less likely to continue in their role if they feel isolated.
The data also showed that pastors who meet monthly with lay leaders (2.2 times more likely to stay) or a Bible study group (3.9 times more likely to stay) to share their struggles are more likely to have a longer ministry.
Research in the study found a significant difference in the clarity of expectations for current and former pastors. Two-thirds of current pastors (68%) stated their church was accurately described to them before they arrived, and 72% had a document outlining expectations.
In comparison, only 49% of former pastors had an accurate description of their last church, and just 32% had an official document outlining expectations. The lack of clear expectations can impact a pastor's longevity, as those with a document communicating expectations are 2.7 times more likely to remain in their role.
Church conflict also proved to be a factor in a pastor’s decision to leave. Pastors who have experienced significant conflict within the past year are 1.6 times less likely to remain in ministry. The research specifically noted that conflict related to national or local politics makes a pastor two-and-a-half times less likely to continue serving.
The study indicated that having counseling resources and skills can positively impact a pastor’s tenure. Pastors with a lay counseling ministry in their church are 2.6 times more likely to remain in their role. Similarly, pastors who have taken graduate-level counseling courses or attended counseling conferences are 1.9 times and 1.7 times more likely to stay, respectively.
Additionally, the availability of sabbaticals appears to be a protective factor against burnout. Pastors whose churches have a formal plan for a sabbatical are 1.7 times more likely to remain in ministry.
The analysis also revealed a notable difference in the self-perception of pastors. Nearly 7 in 10 former pastors (68%) said their last church would not have made progress without them, compared to 39% of current pastors. The data shows that a pastor who attributes their church's progress to themselves is 1.8 times less likely to remain in ministry.
Demographically, the research found that pastors between the ages of 55 and 64 are 2.6 times less likely to remain in their role compared to other age groups. Church size also played a role, with pastors in larger churches more likely to leave. Pastors in churches with 100 to 249 attendees are 1.8 times less likely to remain, and those with 250 or more attendees are 7.3 times more likely to step away from the ministry.
“Pastoring is hard work. But what makes the job impossible is when a congregation has unrealistic, hidden or competing views of what the job entails,” said McConnell.
“One of the most important and loving things a congregation can do is to honestly and realistically define the work of the pastor – meaning the rest of the church’s work is done by others.”
