Over the past several months, I have been hoping to find updated data regarding the life of the pastor. We have some of the alarming information on our website homepage. This data was compiled by Focus on the Family, Barna Research and Fuller Institute. Because the statistics on pastor burnout and discouragement in the 90’s were so alarming, it was not surprising God called us into ministry to pastors in 2003. I had hoped to find updated stats which would show a better picture. However, to my chagrin, the stats show that the situation is no better, even worse in some instances. This is actually no surprise to us. Many of our guests have indicated that the challenges keep coming.

• 1500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.
• 85% of pastors said their greatest problem is they are weary of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors!
• 50% of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.

I pray this pandemic situation will be reversed. I hear words of criticism expressed by church members about the pastor or other leaders. Someone wisely stated, “The best way to get a better pastor is to pray for the pastor you have.”

If we can help pastors, 4 or 5 at a time, at our rest and renewal retreats, we can make a difference. We will soon be closing on our new ministry home. The number of retreats we will provide yearly through Deer Ridge Ministries will double! Opportunities to gather with area pastors will also increase the ministry of encouragement and facilitate healing in the parsonage. It’s been hard to wait. But, the time has finally come! Please pray for us as we continue to ready the house. And, pray that other ministries will be raised up to serve these dedicated and gifted pastors and spouses.