VERY SAD SITUATION -- Prophet's Place

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Date Posted: 09:17:58 06/28/10 Mon
Author: KENNETH FOSTER (GOD MAKING CHANGES)
Subject: VERY SAD SITUATION

the journey
"Didn't our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32)Feeds: Posts Comments Pastors � Wimps or Endangered Species?
October 16, 2008 by Phil Pike

More than 1,500 pastors leave the ministry every month.

Read that again. It is not a typo.

And if you think that statistic is troubling, you should probably stop reading this right now. I�m serious. This is not for the faint of heart. If you do choose to keep reading, you may want to go grab some Mylanta or Pepto Bismol first. These statistics are very upsetting.

In the past month alone I have been asked to meet with two pastors, both of whom are seriously considering packing it in and walking away. Two, in just one month! And these guys are no slouches. They are both good men who love their families, love the Lord, and love the church. They are gifted, dedicated, hard working, passionate guys with a proven track record, both of whom have made a significant impact for the Kingdom of God. But they both look like weary prize fighters with their backs against the ropes; bruised, bleeding and discouraged, wondering how many more rounds they can endure. It�s heart breaking, and frankly, it scares the living daylights out of me. Are pastors wimps, or are the demands being placed on them so far beyond reason that they are cracking under the pressure?

Take a look, if your dare, at just a few of the gut-wrenching statistics compiled by George Barna, Focus on the Family, and other respected organizations:

80% of pastors believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many pastor�s children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.
90% of pastors feel they are inadequately trained to cope with the demands of ministry.
Only 1 out of every 10 ministers will actually retire as a minister in some form.
The profession of Pastor is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions.
Over 4,000 churches closed in America last year. That�s more than 10 every single day.
Many denominations report an �empty pulpit crisis�. They cannot find ministers willing to fill positions.
More than 50% of all pastors are so discouraged that they regularly consider leaving the ministry.
80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
85% of pastors said their greatest struggle is dealing with problem people such as disgruntled members, elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors.
90% said the ministry was completely different than what they thought it would be before they began.
80% of pastors� wives feel left out and unappreciated by the church members.
80% of pastors� wives wish their spouse would choose another profession.
50% of pastors� marriages will end in divorce.
70% of pastors constantly fight depression.

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