Pastoral burnout in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic caused many to consider quitting ministry, but recent research shows that may be changing.
According to Barna’s latest data, 24% of Protestant senior pastors say they have seriously considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year. While that number is still concerning, it’s down considerably from peak levels a few years ago, when two out of every five pastors said they had considered quitting.
Barna notes that the pandemic years hit pastors hard. Church closures, public health mandates, changes in ministry models, and political division within congregations created a perfect storm for many ministers. Pastors nationwide often faced exhaustion and conflict with very little support.
The good news is that pressure appears to be easing in many cases. Arkansas’ churches can learn from this data. Believers and their families should pray for their pastors and find practical ways to encourage them. Supporting our pastors isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s essential for healthy churches.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
