The Life of a Pastor
Illustration
by H. B. London, Jr.

Consider the following sobering survey results of the personal and professional lives of the clergy:

  • 90% of pastors work more than 46 hours a week
  • 80% believed that pastoral ministry affected their families negatively
  • 33% said that being in ministry was an outright hazard to their family
  • 75% reported a significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry
  • 50% felt unable to meet the needs of the job
  • 90% felt they were inadequately trained to cope with ministry demands
  • 70% say they have a lower self-esteem now than when they started out
  • 40% reported a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month
  • 37% confessed having been involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with someone in the church
  • 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.
Victor Books, Fuller Institute of Church Growth, by H. B. London, Jr.