I also believe that pastors are some of the most criticized people on the planet and it usually comes from those that call themselves Christ followers and usually they are the ones that do the least. Now don't get me wrong, some pastors need to be criticzed. But, we cannot put them all into the same catagory. Remember God calls some to lead and others to follow.
Having said that, I have been reading a book lately from a pastor who has an incredible ministry. As I was reading I came across some statistics from pastor's that were to me mind blowing. So I thought I would share some of the things that the life of a Pastor has to deal with.
They were taken from a man by the name of H.B.London Jr. in his work, "Pastors at Greater Risk".
- 80 percent believe that pastorial ministry affects their families negatively.
- 75 percent report they've had significant stress-related crisis at least once in ministry.
- 50 percent feel unable to meet the needs of the job.
- 90 percent feel they're inadequately trained to cope with ministry demands.
- 25 percent of pastors' wives see their husband's work schedule as a source of conflict.
- The clergy has the second highest divorce rate among all professions.
- 80 percent of pastors say they have insufficient time with their spouse.
- 56 percent of pastors' wives say they have no close friends.
- 45.5 percent of pastors say that they've experienced depression to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence from ministry.
- 70 percent do not have someone they consider a close friend.
Please don't get me wrong, I would not change what God has called me to do for one second! I have the greatest job in the world and I love being a Pastor at LifeBridge.
Unfortunitaly these are statistics that most people in the church do not get to see. So ask yourself, the next time you are ready to criticize a pastor, maybe I should stop and pray for him first!
Just some thoughts!
In Him, Pastor Bobby
