Why Do Pastors Quit? — part two

Thank you for asking.

Thank you for praying.

I sincerely mean both, more profoundly than you can imagine.

Yesterday in this space —

Offered here without commentary from me (apart from my highlighting to make for a quick read if that’ll help you) are words by William Cecil Arvin –—

According to recent studies 4,000-5,000 pastors quit each year. They don’t quit because they have a lack of faith in God. They don’t quit because they don’t believe in the calling God has placed on their life. Most don’t even quit because of financial reasons.

Pastors quit because they are overwhelmed with mental exhaustion.

— Today, to answer some questions, let me simply say

1. I retired after 40 years. (Yes, I started when I was in kindergarten, that’s right.) I did not quit ministry. But after forty years “under full time, active appointment” as some of us United Methodists say, meaning we’re directed where to go and what to do by a Bishop and all who lead under that Bishop, I exercised my Retirement option.
   
   You might have heard me say, partially in jest, that I don’t have to go to meetings any more. If pressed, I’ll add an adjective and say “pointless meetings.” Usually the other person starts slowly nodding and we both tell stores. Again, partially joking. But only partially.
   
2. More specifically, if the person is interested and cares about such things, I’ll explain that there were two primary reasons that surfaced upon serious reflection after a flash of insight, to the point of it being an epiphany, in May of 2015. (Ask me about that sometime.)
   
   Since you’re still reading, I’ll summarize why I retired with five words: Unrealistic Demands and Unrelenting Expectations.
   
3. To reiterate: I retired but I did not quit ministry. I pastor a church to which I’m appointed quarter time. I’m on staff part time at another church predominately in the role I love to describe as “the kindly, old, retired pastor who’s here to see you.” I work very part time as an Associate District Superintendent which is pretty much being “Boots on the Ground and Online for the Actual DS.”
   
4. Additionally, I lead Bible Studies, am part of a music ministry (The Rivers of Life Clergy Band…booked us to come to your place yet?), and like pretty much most other Alleged Retirees from/in every other group, I stay engaged in a variety of ways. I read. I write. I paint. I talk with people. I’m “out and about,” as son LJ4 says.

— Questions?

For answers, start with what I quoted from Brother Arvin yesterday.

And then check in with your own pastor; you’ll probably be amazed at what all s/he has to say about what used to be called “the pastoral life.”