Christian Clergy in Crisis

Recent statistics have listed Chattanooga, Tennessee with remarkable distinctions. Gallup released a 2013 analysis of the top 189 U.S. metro areas to report that Chattanooga is among the 10 most unhappy metro areas in the United States. According to the American Bible Society's 2014 study, Chattanooga was listed #1 of America's Most Bible-Minded Cities. Are these statistics proof that Christianity makes no significant difference to well-being? Many hypotheses can be submitted, but ultimately we should ask if it is true or false that you “are complete through your union with Christ” (Col. 2:10 NLT)?

Chattanooga, the buckle of the Bible belt, is not the only conundrum. Paradoxical ministry statistics abound.

1. 23% of the pastors surveyed said they felt happy and content on a regular basis with who they are in Christ, in their church, and in their home! (Francis A. Schaeffer Institute of Church Leadership Development)

2. 71% of pastors stated they were burned out, and they battle depression beyond fatigue on a weekly and even a daily basis. (Francis A. Schaeffer Institute of Church Leadership Development)
 
3. 77% of the pastors we surveyed felt they did not have a good marriage! (Francis A. Schaeffer Institute of Church Leadership Development)
 
4. Almost 40% polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry. (The Shaeffer Institute distilled research from Barna, Focus on the Family, and Fuller Seminary)

5. 54% of the pastors had viewed internet pornography within the last year, and 30% of these had visited within the last 30 days. [In March of 2002 RickWarren’s (author of the Purpose Driven life) Pastors.com website conducted a survey on porn use of 1351 pastors.]
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6. The typical pastor has his greatest ministry impact at a church in years 5 through 14 of his pastorate; unfortunately, the average pastor lasts only five years at a church. (Barna)

7. Most statistics say that 60% to 80% of those who enter the ministry will not still be in it 10 years later, and only a fraction will stay in it as a lifetime career. (The Shaeffer Institute distilled research from Barna, Focus on the Family, and Fuller Seminary)

8. The New York Times published an article on August 8, 2010 stating:
The findings have surfaced with ominous regularity over the last few years, and with little notice: Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.

9. The majority of pastor's wives surveyed said that the most destructive event that has occurred in their marriage and family was the day they entered the ministry. (Mark Driscoll, "Death by Ministry")

10. Eighty percent of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression. (2002)

11. 34% of Christians feel called to the work they currently do (among those who are presently employed). (Barna) 

12. Only 5% of people who describe themselves as Christian and involved in a church indicated that their church does anything to hold them accountable for integrating biblical beliefs and principles into their life. (Barna)

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