I began attending my church in 1996; my oldest daughter was just a year old at the time. Our small family quickly found new friends by joining a small group. We realized as our biblical knowledge grew through the Sunday teaching, studies, and small groups, we desired to become active members by serving wherever we could. Without even noticing, ten years went by in a flash. During that time, my wife and I led a home group, my wife became a Sunday school leader for kindergartners, and I went through the church’s elder training. Also, without noticing, fissures were happening within the church leadership. By 2006, our church experienced a full-blow split over the purpose of Sunday morning. Because I loved my church, I joined the elder board to help during the transition. During this tumultuous time in our church history, the church leaders asked if I would leave my career as an IT professional and join the pastoral staff. After seeking wise counsel and a lot of prayer, I can’t fully explain it, but I genuinely felt called to go into full-time ministry.
More Transitions
Unfortunately, the split was just the beginning of a season of transitions at our church. A few years after the split, the lead pastor resigned, and I joined two other pastors as an interim leadership team while the church searched for a new lead pastor. I remember the joy and newfound energy when the church found and hired the new pastor. I also remember, all too clearly, how difficult it was when the new lead pastor wasn’t working out. Without going into details, it was a time of testing for me, my family, and many in the congregation. This particular challenge was different than anything I faced before, and it seemed clear that my time at my church was nearing its end. How could something that seemed so clear to me, a calling on my life, suddenly change so drastically?
The Calling
The questions I wrestled with about my calling in 2012 resurfaced with a vengeance for many pastors since the COVID pandemic, causing many studies about pastor burnout. Sadly, the numbers are not encouraging. According to a March 2023 Barna study, since the pandemic, pastors’ levels of self-doubt have climbed to new heights, causing many pastors, especially younger pastors, to question their calling. The Barna data shows that in 2015, 66% of pastors were more confident in their calling than when they started their jobs. However, by 2022, only 35% of pastors said they were more confident. The report goes on to show that the overall percentage of pastors who experienced a period of significant doubt in their calling has more than doubled since 2015.
Overcoming Challenges
How can pastors overcome the doubts, stress, and isolation frequently reported in these studies? As someone who struggled, I know there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, the data does provide insights from pastors who have remained committed to their calling. According to a different Barna study, the top reasons for not leaving are believing in the value of their ministry and a sense of duty to fulfill their calling. Other factors include family and community support, job satisfaction, and a desire to accomplish the mission.
Accomplishing the great commission is hard work; it always has been. God never promised it would be easy, but he did promise to be with you. In 2012, I found that a renewed sense of clarity emerged after months of seeking God, wise counsel, some not-so-wise counsel, and learning to surrender. As confusing, challenging, and improbable as it was to stay, I believe God confirmed my calling, and I remained on staff with my church – even today.
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