{"id":30956,"date":"2022-09-10T15:11:10","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:11:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/4-hidden-struggles-most-pastors-face\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:11:10","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:11:10","slug":"4-hidden-struggles-most-pastors-face","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/4-hidden-struggles-most-pastors-face\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Hidden Struggles Most Pastors Face"},"content":{"rendered":"
Vincent Guth photo – Unsplash <\/p>\n

By Aaron Earls<\/em><\/p>\n

The pandemic has brought innovation and creativity out of virtually every pastor across the country. It\u2019s also probably taken most of the energy out of them as well.<\/p>\n

Pastors often hear \u201cCan you pray for me?\u201d but all too rarely do they hear \u201cHow can I pray for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pastors often hear \u201cCan you pray for me?\u201d but all too rarely do they hear \u201cHow can I pray for you?\u201d Click To Tweet <\/p>\n

Last July, pastors said they were concerned for the unity of their church, how to care for their members, and how best to lead their congregation during such a tumultuous time. Around 1 in 8 also admitted they were personally exhausted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI desperately need time off,\u201d said one pastor, \u201cbut with having to organize livestreams, worship services, and Sunday school, I have no time to get away. I\u2019m a one-person staff, and it\u2019s difficult to find someone willing to fill in for me. I\u2019ve had two days off since Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

These concerns and others have been amplified during the pandemic, but they are not new for most pastors. Yet pastors often feel ashamed to admit them to their church members, other pastors, and even themselves.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhile the Word certainly calls us to lean on the Lord in times of trouble, Scripture also reminds us often that we are not an island, that we need to call upon the gifts of others to find healing,\u201d said Ben Mandrell, president of Lifeway and cohost of The Glass House<\/em>, a podcast dealing with the stresses and challenges of ministry families.<\/p>\n

Only 1% of pastors leave the pulpit behind each year, but the vast majority say they face immense pressure and difficulties related to ministry, according to Lifeway Research. Click To Tweet <\/p>\n

In a groundbreaking study of pastors, Lifeway Research found only 1% leave the pulpit behind each year, but the vast majority say they face immense pressure and difficulties related to ministry. And often, unfortunately, pastors feel as if they cannot be open and honest about these areas.<\/p>\n

84% say they\u2019re on call 24 hours a day<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For more than 4 in 5 pastors, their responsibilities feel never ending. Every moment of personal reflection can be interpreted by a member\u2019s health crisis. A day off can end with a phone call from a church leader who \u201cneeds to talk.\u201d Time to recharge can be cut short by an unexpected funeral.<\/p>\n

While a pastor may know the theology of Sabbath inside and out, many fail to actually apply it to their lives or feel unhealthy conviction about taking time to rest. \u2014 @WardrobeDoor Click To Tweet <\/p>\n

Even when a pastor\u2019s work is not immediate, the continual pressure of sermon prep or the worry that something will happen can spoil a break.<\/p>\n

While a pastor may know the theology of Sabbath inside and out, many fail to actually apply it to their lives or feel unhealthy conviction about taking time to rest.<\/p>\n

80% expect conflict in their church<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It may be wise to recognize the inevitability of conflict and the hurt that can comes along with it. \u201cBroken people cut,\u201d said one pastor. However, living your life in a constant state of battle can be exhausting.<\/p>\n

Pastors need to have moments where they can rest and be comforted by Christ and His people. If they are constantly looking over their shoulder for the next knife, they can\u2019t look forward to what God is doing now.<\/p>\n

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See also  8 Ways to Persevere in Ministry<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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More than 9 in 10 pastors say they invest in processes and behaviors to prevent conflict. Pastors can acknowledge the reality of conflict and put plans in place to deal with it early or prevent it, while maintaining an optimistic perspective on the people God has called them to serve.<\/p>\n

54% find the role of pastor frequently overwhelming<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Even prior to the pandemic, many pastors said they find their position and responsibilities to be frequently overwhelming. Most pastors have not quit since the outbreak of COVID, but most are feeling immense pressure.<\/p>\n

There are distinct differences between pastors who continue in the ministry and those who feel they must leave it behind, according to a Lifeway Research study. Former pastors are more likely than current pastors to report feeling isolated (62% to 35%) and believe their church has unrealistic expectations (49% to 21%).<\/p>\n

Former pastors are more likely than current pastors to report feeling isolated (62% to 35%) and believe their church has unrealistic expectations (49% to 21%), according to Lifeway Research. Click To Tweet <\/p>\n

As those feelings grow, pastors should find someone they can share their burdens with\u2014a counselor, a mentor, another local pastor\u2014to avoid becoming part of the statistic of those who do leave the ministry.<\/p>\n

53% are often concerned about their family\u2019s financial security<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many pastors face this dual edged sword. They don\u2019t want to be accused of being greedy or \u201conly in it for the money.\u201d Yet most of them face concerns their spouse and children will not be taken care of financially.<\/p>\n

Similarly, 68% of pastors\u2019 spouses say they worry about having enough money for retirement, according to Lifeway Research.<\/p>\n

53% of pastors are often concerned about their family's financial security and 68% of pastors' spouses are worried about having enough money for retirement, according to Lifeway Research. Click To Tweet <\/p>\n

While it may not add any dollars to their bank accounts, pastors should recognize that they are not alone in their concern over their financial future. And if they haven\u2019t spoken to their spouse yet, they should do so to see if they are feeling similar anxiety.<\/p>\n

For pastors seeking to hear honest and encouraging stories about the realities of ministry and family, subscribe to The Glass House<\/em> with Ben and Lynley Mandrell.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe conversations are going to be raw and candid,\u201d said Ben. \u201cListeners will hear pastors talk about things most don\u2019t believe they grapple with, and they\u2019ll hear pastors\u2019 spouses say candidly what many are embarrassed to say. I believe the content of these episodes will be redemptive for many who have struggled in the trenches of church life.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Glass House is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Aaron Earls<\/h2>\n

@WardrobeDoor<\/p>\n

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Aaron is a writer for LifewayResearch.com.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n