Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru, said that the four hardest jobs in America (and not necessarily in order, he added) are: president of the United States, a university chancellor, a hospital CEO, and a church pastor.
Jimmy Draper, former president of the Lifeway Research Group, notes that for every 20 people who go into the pastorate only one retires from the ministry. Can you name any other profession where there is a 95 percent drop-off rate? Most don’t make it to retirement in the ministry because they are either fired, have a moral failure or just burned out and give up.
Pastors have the second-highest divorce rate of any profession. 48% of them think their job is detrimental to their family’s well-being. Another 46% will experience a burnout or a depression that will make them leave the ministry. 70 % say their self-esteem is lower now than when they started their position.
I'm not bringing this before you just because "I are one." I'm saying it because as a young pastor I have had way to many conversations with young and old pastors who are miserable. This should not be. I do, however, understand it in part. The church in America is suffering (70-80% are in decline) and men generally find their self worth in their success at work. Thus, pastors deal with feelings of failure and insignificance even when many within their churches express deep affection to them on a regular basis. In fact, the only pastors I speak with that are incredibly enthusiastic about life and their work are those who are seeing success and growth in their churches.
Therefore, if you are serving or attending a church that has plateaued in attendance or is in decline then there is a very good chance your pastor needs your encouragement on a consistent basis...he carries quite a load of responsibility on those small shoulders of his. Also, if you know of individuals within your church who are highly critical of your pastor then I have one question for you..."what are YOU doing to shut them up?"
Have you ever tried to sleep with a barking dog outside your window??? It does not make for very good rest does it? Neither do pastor's get any rest when church family members are constantly complaining about this or that. He hears their words in his sleep and he is robbed of peace and rest. Pastors have truly been called to shepherd their congregations and many, if not most, take this responsibility very seriously. Therefore, it is hard to carry the weight of others complaints and frustrations around constantly. And, add that the church is in decline or stagnant and you have the makings of what Jimmy Draper described above--burn out, fall out, fire out, or quit out.
So, pray for your pastor today...and maybe send him a card or an email letting him know you've got his back...and while your at it, pray for the president too...his job ain't that easy either!
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