Someone dumped an article in my mailbox from "Ministry" magazine about pastoral burnout. The article began: According to the New York Times (August 1, 2010) members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.
The "Ministry" article also included the following stats:
45% of pastors say that they have experienced depression or burnout to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence from ministry.
70% do not have any close friends.
75% report severe stress causing anguish, worry, bewilderment, anger, depression, fear and alienation.
90% work more than 50 hours per week.
If you are a member of Life in Christ, please pray for me. If you are a member of a different church, pray for your pastor. Many pastors are their own worst enemies, heaping unrealistic amounts of pressure and expectations upon themselves. Coupled with church members who constantly criticize and complain, often about the smallest and most insignificant things, many clergy feel like they are being crushed into the ground.
While the rewards and blessings are without measure, ministry is hard. Pray for your pastor.
