As former pastors reflect on their time in the ministry, they highlight areas of concern and offer suggestions for current pastors. By Aaron Earls Few pastors leave the pulpit each year, but those who do mostly say it was a personal decision. According to a Lifeway Research study of former senior pastors in four Protestant denominations who … [Read more…]
Former pastors reveal ministry glances that could prevent some pastors from leaving the ministry and keep others from needless suffering. By Aaron Earls Very few pastors leave the ministry each year, but some do. Others, meanwhile, toil through difficult seasons, contemplate quitting, but ultimately choose to persevere. When Lifeway Research interviewed former pastors, those who previously stood behind … [Read more…]
How can we finish strong? How can the final chapters of our life narratives end well? Here are four things to keep in mind. By Chris Maxwell Life is a collection of seasons. We can title them stages. Or phases. But whatever our age, our ministry, our title, or our story, we move toward a … [Read more…]
Biblical self-care isn’t so much about “treating yourself” as it is about establishing practices that contribute to your well-being. By Marissa Postell Sullivan Although self-care isn’t new, the past five years have witnessed a notable increase in conversations related to self-care. According to Google Trends, April 2020 marked a peak in search popularity for the … [Read more…]
Almost 3 in 4 pastors are familiar with deconstruction, and 27% of those say people in their churches have deconstructed their faith. By Aaron Earls For some pastors, the only construction projects they worry about are building renovations, but others say they’re facing churchgoers who are tearing down aspects of their faith. A Lifeway Research … [Read more…]
Are pastors leaving the pulpit in droves because of ministry burnout? Maybe not. Recent research can help us tell fact from fiction. By Marissa Postell Sullivan Each week, headlines tell us pastors are burnt out. They’re leaving the ministry. They’re throwing in the towel. Pastoral ministry is too hard on the family. The demands are … [Read more…]
Only around 1 in 100 pastors leave the ministry each year, according to a Lifeway Research study of evangelical and Black Protestant pastors. By Aaron Earls Pastors face unique challenges in their role and often feel overwhelmed, but few decide to step away from the pulpit and pursue another career. Only around 1 in 100 … [Read more…]
Life Changes Fast. Church Connection Doesn’t Have To. By Mike Leake Lynne, who had been helping in kids ministry, informed you her new job would take her out every third Sunday. It’s been six months now, and you’ve only seen her three times. Patrick was a promising senior in high school who expressed interest in … [Read more…]
Many pastors carry some hidden struggles below the surface that they don’t feel they can share with others. Here are four. By Dan Hyun Most pastors experience genuine joy in serving the Lord and His church. Even so, many pastors also carry some struggles hidden below the surface that they don’t feel can be shared with others. … [Read more…]
Cup of Couple photo | Pexels At times, we find ourselves in a preaching slump. When we do, what can we do to get refocused and reenergized? By Mike Glenn When I was growing up, I was told I had to give 100% effort all the time in everything. Whether it was math class or basketball … [Read more…]