What’s Wrong with Our Pastor?

Latest news* is out about pastors and let’s just say it ain’t good —

Among its more discouraging findings, the study* found:

80 percent agreed to strongly agreed with the statement, “I feel guilty if people see me taking time off during the week.”

75 percent agreed to strongly agreed with the statement, “I am afraid to let my parishioners know how I really feel.”

70 percent moderately or strongly disagreed with the statement, “I feel fulfilled in ministry.”

67 percent agreed to strongly agreed with the statement, “I sometimes project my job frustration on the family.”

62 percent agreed to strongly agreed with the statement, “Sometimes my outward appearance seems happy and content while inside I am emotionally distressed.”

50 percent moderately to strongly disagreed with the statement, “I am consistent between who I am and how I appear to others.”

— If I could assign Homework…

…Pastors: go back through that list a bit more carefully and decide for yourself which statements are True and which are False. Be honest. Might be a good time to get an appropriate, professional, outside opinion. Make that contact today.

…Laity: go back through that list a bit more carefully and decide for yourself if there’s anything you can do to help your pastor, and if so, don’t wait to take action. Start today.

The rest of us, laity and pastors alike, will thank you.

*SOURCE of these stats: https://churchleaders.com/news/359562-why-are-pastors-depressed-a-look-at-the-research.html