Pastors...Fulfilled and Depressed

We have all heard that healthy organizations/institutions are the result of healthy leaders. As the leaders go, so will the organization and institution.

What is alarming about the above statement is that while many pastors find themselves in a calling that is very fulfilling, pastors also find themselves incredibly vulnerable to burnout and depression.

Read recently on an email from Willowcreek the following stats:

• 80% of pastors feel unquilaified and discouraged in their role as a pastor
• 50% of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living
• 70% of pastors constantly fight depression
• 80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first 5 years.

(The stats were distilled from Barna research, Focus on the Family, and Fuller Seminary). 

More than ever, in the midst of our current realities of immense change and uncertainties, good and Godly leadership is absolutely essential to the future viability and vitality of our congregations.

It is unacceptable that the current way of doing church and leadership is destroying the very leaders that the churches need.

The million dollar question is: what will you do to help change these statistics?