Episode Details

Research from Barna reveals the top two reasons pastors consider quitting are stress and loneliness. This same study demonstrated an increase in pastoral loneliness—from 42% of pastors saying they felt frequently or sometimes lonely in 2015 to 65% of pastors in 2023. The church is supposed to be a place of belonging and hope, but many church leaders experience the opposite—isolation and discouragement. Josh and Sam examine this problem and offer their solutions.

• • The people you lead—by design—are not supposed to solve your problems.
  • There is an expectation that pastors must always have the answers and be spiritually strong.
  • Compassion fatigue can accumulate over months and years.
  • You are surrounded by people, but few can relate to the most difficult aspects of ministry.
  • Create a standing meeting with a mentor or coach in ministry.
  • Enjoy friendship with those inside the church without placing unreasonable expectations on them.

Resources:

• The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church

• Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

• Smart Church Solutions

• Church Answers Platinum Membership

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• The Hope Initiative

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