If you are part of a church, there’s a good chance that your pastor is not all right. A recent study from Barna, a Christian research organization, showed that pastors are struggling with burnout at unprecedented levels. Barna reports that in March 2022, “the percentage of pastors who have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year sits at 42 percent.” That is up a whopping nine percentage points increase from January 2021.
In the Barna study, the top reported reasons for clergy burnout were the same ones that people in the population at large face: stress, loneliness and political division. But these stressors affect pastors in a unique way. Pastors bear not only their own pain but also the weight of their entire congregation’s grief, divisions and anxieties. Satan, the accuser of the brethren, will target lead pastors since he knows that when the shepherd is struck, the sheep will scatter (Zech. 13:7).
Now, more than ever, being a pastor is not an easy job. It includes long days and nights of preparing sermons, counseling the hurting and praying for the congregation. Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures. They face constant violations of private and personal boundaries. They are expected to have ideal families, to be perfect people, to always be available, to never be down and to have all the answers we need to keep our own lives stable and moving forward. Pastors are expected to work insane hours, to always be on call and are expected to be experts on everything. Those are unrealistic expectations to place on anyone, yet most of us are disappointed when a pastor becomes overwhelmed, seems depressed, lets us down or completely burns out.
The nature of the service provided by pastors and their families is unique. God has entrusted to them the spiritual well-being of His flock. When a pastor becomes ineffective, the very souls of his or her parishioners are endangered.
The good news is that we can make a difference! October is Pastor Appreciation Month. It officially began in 1992 as a way to encourage congregations to show their appreciation, love and support for their pastors. This affirmation can provide new life and energy for a pastor who may be dealing with burnout, disillusionment, frustration, isolation or stress. It is also important to remember that appreciation, affirmation and prayer support of our spiritual leaders is needed throughout the year.
The Bible calls us to honor and encourage those whom God has called to proclaim His message and lead His people. In 1 Timothy, Paul wrote, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17). And, in 1 Thessalonians, he said, “Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thess. 5:12-13)
The congregation that doesn’t say, “Thank you,” in practical ways will almost guarantee limited success. A pastor that is appreciated by the majority in his congregation is a pastor that can press forward confidently knowing that his people are with him. A pastor who knows he is loved…is constantly encouraged…filled with excitement, optimism, and courage.
Take time this October and do something special for your pastor. Here are some suggestions that will make your pastor’s life better: Stop criticizing every little thing you do not agree with. Ask God to shower your pastor with an abundance of love, hope, joy, faith, peace, power and wisdom. When you hear or see something you like from your minister, write an appreciative note. Volunteer to serve and be an active participant in your church. By serving your shepherds, you will ensure that they will not only be encouraged but will feel appreciated and continue to minister with enthusiasm and energy. A gift, no matter how small, would be appreciated by your pastor as would one to the pastors spouse.
A very successful businessman once said that the keys to his accomplishments were to have a good accountant, a good lawyer, but most importantly to have a good pastor.
That is especially true in today’s stress filled times. Each of us can contribute to our church and our community’s well-being by showing our pastors how much they are appreciated and loved.