Discouraged Pastors: Reasons, and How to Find Encouragement in the Midst of Ministry

A major issue within the ranks of pastors is discouragement. One denominational leader, giving oversight to some 125 churches recently wrote that “70-80% of pastors are discouraged, with some being very desperate.” Those estimates are consistent with what others are saying as well.

Ministry obviously takes its toll. Health providers for clergy are aware that an inordinate amount of payouts are going to therapists treating pastors and their families for depression, stress, and related emotional difficulties. Clergy marriages are at risk. Heavy use of alcohol, prescription drugs, and even occasionally, illegal drugs, is not uncommon. The number of highly capable pastors who leave ministry is a sign that this is not a profession that is easy. Ministers feel they have been beaten up long enough and they are getting out. Day-to-day hassles wear pastors down, and conflicts prove to be the refrigerator that breaks the camel’s back.

As one who has pastored for some 30 plus years, I know firsthand the discouragement, and even the depression that can come. Ministry isn’t easy. It isn’t for the faint of heart. The challenges within pastoral ministry can generate serious discouragement. Discouragement is not confined to pastors where church growth is limited or non-existent. Even mega-church pastors are prone to those feelings. Additionally, even Paul the apostle, giant within the Christian faith, alluded to being downcast (2 Corinthians 7:6).

Reasons for the frustration and the related discouragement are many and varied. They include: failure to see growth in the church; unrealistic expectations; spiritual apathy by members; overextended and overworked; endless administrative work; emotional drain from working with high-need people; conflict; a sense of being viewed as irrelevant by society; inadequate compensation; the sense of living in a fishbowl; lack of adequate time for one’s family; fears associated with potential job loss; relocations and more relocations; and the list could go! There are many reasons why pastors feel emotionally beat up! One pastor described his state as that of being in a boxing ring. His hope was that his corner men could repair him between rounds and send him back into the fight! At least he was ready to get back into the fight.

Many of us have the Monday morning blues, but in reality, for more than just a handful within our profession, those blues are more than just Monday mornings. One indicator of our encouragement or discouragement quotient can be gauged by what we read on Monday mornings. The longstanding quip in ministerial circles is we didn’t have a great Sunday if we find ourselves reading the “Help Wanted” section in the newspaper on Monday morning. But it is no longer a quip when we are reading the “Help Wanted” section every day. Something is awry.

It is no wonder that many pastors are checking out of ministry, and if not checking out, at least checking out other options. The decision to exit usually comes after a sustained period of setbacks. Many pastors, given the level of discouragement, eventually decide to step away. The dream dies, the vision evaporates, the passion fizzles out. Recently, our newspaper had an article entitled “Few clergy seem to stay on job to retirement age” The author quoted Dr. Paul Beck, an American theologian. “It is my observation that just one out of ten who start out in full-time service for the Lord at twenty-one are still in it by the age of sixty-five.” Amazing stat! What happened to the collective dreams of the 90 percent? Undoubtedly, there were timely and appropriate transitions for some into other vocations. But for many, the exit out of ministry is largely because of discouragement.

Reminds me of an unusual photograph I once saw. The picture captured the familiar sight of a yellow Dead End sign, but the message had been altered by someone with spray paint. Underneath the words Dead End was the question, “What isn’t?” More than the occasional pastor has been disheartened, wondering if they are at a Dead End.

But does it have to remain a Dead End? Is the challenge insurmountable?

I want to suggest that encouragement can be found. It is my persuasion that if we position ourselves in appropriate places, Christ will transform our dead ends into doorways of hope. The dream, the vision, and the drive to make a difference can be rekindled. Part of it has to do with finding the right spiritual sustenance via appropriate resources. May I suggest one of those?

Years ago I memorized 2 Timothy. At that time, it became the spiritual sustenance that enabled me to go on with ministry. Had it not been for those biblical truths that anchored my soul and emotions, I doubt I would be in ministry today. I persevered largely because of 2 Timothy. I stayed in the fight even though the temptation to throw in the towel came on numerous occasions. Ministry will be tough…but maybe, just maybe, a book like 2 Timothy can become the life-changing resource that will tilt the scale from ‘discouraged’ to ‘encouraged.’ The Word of God can make a difference! Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised!

[divider style=’full’]