“The Clergy Are Not OK”

A few weeks ago, the Hartford Institute for Religion Research released results of a study of the post-pandemic health of America’s congregations and leadership. The survey’s title summarizes its findings: “I’m Exhausted All the Time.”

44% of American clergy describe themselves as burned out and say they have considered leaving their current congregation. 53% have considered leaving the ministry altogether.

Churches that were barely surviving before the pandemic are hanging by a thread. In most all congregations I know, worship attendance has not returned to its 2019 levels. In this world of rapid change, some congregants continue to want their local church to be “a sanctuary from change” even though they know that congregations which embrace change in healthy ways are most likely to thrive. Finally — as if we need reminding — it’s another election year. Every pastor will be monitored (and many criticized) for what words are spoken, and not, in sermons and prayers.

One of the best ways ministers can care for themselves is by finding a clergy support group. It’s never the purpose of a support group to solve a problem, but there is both comfort and encouragement in knowing one is not alone, in having a safe space to vent.