Though almost all pastors feel privileged to be in ministry, a majority also experience loneliness and discouragement.
That is the finding of a survey by LifeWay Research of 1,000 American Protestant pastors conducted Aug. 17-24.
A full 98 percent agree with the statement, "I feel privileged to be a pastor," with 93 percent strongly agreeing. Only about 0.5 percent of pastors disagree with the statement.
Yet more than half (55 percent) also agree with the statement, "I find that it is easy to get discouraged," and 55 percent say being in pastoral ministry makes them feel lonely at times.
"Many oft-quoted statistics speak of miserable and unhappy pastors, but that's not what we see when we actually ask them," explained Ed Stetzer, vice president of research and ministry development at LifeWay Christian Resources. "There is discouragement and loneliness, but when 98 percent agree it is a privilege to be a pastor, we also know there is a great honor to being a pastor."
Pastors 65 and older are the least discouraged age bracket. While 30 percent of those 65 and older strongly disagree that it is easy to get discouraged in ministry, only 19 percent ages 55-64 strongly disagree along with 13 percent ages 45-54 and 11 percent ages 18-44.
Pastors 65 and older are also most likely to strongly disagree (39 percent) with the statement, "Pastoral ministry makes me feel lonely at times." Twenty-nine percent of those ages 55-64 strongly disagree, as well as 21 percent ages 45-54 and 19 percent ages 18-44.
Ironically, pastors of larger churches are lonelier. Of those in congregations with average attendance of 250 or more, 17 percent strongly disagree that pastoral ministry makes them feel lonely at times. In comparison, 32 percent with churches of 0-49 and 27 percent with churches of 100-249 strongly disagree.
"Pastors feel privileged, but clearly the reality of constant service can take its toll," Stetzer said. "There is discouragement and loneliness in ministry. It appears that the larger the church the more present the loneliness."
Positively, nearly eight in 10 pastors (79 percent) disagree with the statement, "Being in ministry has had a negative effect on my family." A majority (58 percent) strongly disagree. Twenty percent somewhat disagree, 15 percent somewhat agree and 4 percent strongly agree.
"This statistic has to be one of the biggest surprises," said Stetzer, who has also served as a pastor. "Pastoring can be stressful on a family, but contrary to some hyped statistics, most do not believe that being a pastor has hurt their family.
"Pastoring is difficult, and family life is a fishbowl, but overstating the challenge and dangers of pastoring can discourage pastors and create an expectation of family disruption leading to that very problem," he said.
Pastors in the South (63 percent) are more likely to strongly disagree that ministry has had a negative effect on their families than their counterparts in the Northeast (51 percent) or Midwest (54 percent).
The study found that 18 percent of pastors have more than 10 close friends in their congregation. Sixteen percent have six to 10, 38 percent have three to five, 10 percent have two and 4 percent have one. Twelve percent of pastors have no close friends in their congregation.
Pastors 65 and older are less likely to have no close friends in their church and most likely to have more than 10 close friends. Six percent of pastors ages 65 and older have no close friends, compared with 14 percent ages 55-64 and 13 percent ages 18-44.
More than a third (34 percent) of pastors 65 and older have more than 10 close friends in their church.
Pastors in the Northeast (20 percent) are more likely to have no close friends in their church than those in the South (10 percent) or West (9 percent). Additionally, those identifying themselves as Mainline (18 percent) are more likely to have no close friends than those identifying themselves as Evangelicals (10 percent).
Relationships matter and it appears that pastors value those friendship—particularly as they get older," Stetzer explained. "Older pastors (and I would add, younger pastors with wisdom) have developed more close friendships within their church and are less likely to be discouraged or lonely. This combination mirrors workplace studies that have shown that more friendships at work correspond with higher satisfaction with a person's job and life."
http://www.charismanews.com/culture/32124-survey-majority-of-pastors-experience-loneliness-discouragement
Friday, October 7, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Four Points of the Resurgence Movement
Brothers,
Mark Driscoll presents four points of the Resurgence Movement. He explains that while being personally Reformed, he has issues with ministering from a theology of the 5 points of Calvinism because it doesn't work from a God centered theology. Clearly insightful and most compelling.
Each RFM minister should take a few minutes and listen to Driscoll's presentation. While fascinating, it will also provide give us the opportunity to maintain a state of being current with theology and movements. Remember, ignorance isn't a Kingdom virtue.
rgh
http://theresurgence.com/2011/07/25/four-points-of-the-movement
Mark Driscoll presents four points of the Resurgence Movement. He explains that while being personally Reformed, he has issues with ministering from a theology of the 5 points of Calvinism because it doesn't work from a God centered theology. Clearly insightful and most compelling.
Each RFM minister should take a few minutes and listen to Driscoll's presentation. While fascinating, it will also provide give us the opportunity to maintain a state of being current with theology and movements. Remember, ignorance isn't a Kingdom virtue.
rgh
http://theresurgence.com/2011/07/25/four-points-of-the-movement
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Post Preaching Depression
Brothers,
You have heard me mention this issue over the years. Most Sunday evenings are brutal as I slide into this post-adrenaline zone. You may find this article helpful.
rgh
Have you ever been mightily used by God, get a spiritual high, and then the next day feel like a schmuck? Have you ever been running on a spiritual high for quite some time only to be blown away by an equally crushing period of depression and dryness? If so then you might be experiencing Post-Preaching Depression; or as Archibald Hart has termed it, “Post-adrenaline Depression”.
Hart describes it this way“…what I was experiencing was a profound shutdown of my adrenal system, following a period of high stress or demand. It was as if my adrenal system were saying, “That’s enough abuse for now; let’s give it a break,” and shut down so that I had no choice in the matter.”
Sometimes we experience this because we are adrenaline junkies. Sometimes we experience this because there are seasons in our life when we must rely upon adrenaline (God gives it for a reason). The problem is that we often abuse adrenaline. We get addicted to the “high’s” and become pleasure-seeking adrenaline junkies. So, whether you are addicted to adrenaline or you just crash after big events there is wisdom in understanding post-adrenaline depression.
For me almost any time I preach I am totally spent afterwards. I typically preach on Wednesday evenings. After youth group is over I am exhausted. On Thursday I am drained for a little while but usually back up and running by Thursday evening or Friday morning.
This past week I was the Camp Director/Camp Pastor. It took a few weeks of late nights, stressful planning, and tons of adrenaline even to get ready for camp. Then there was a week of actually speaking twice per day and being responsible for over 100 people. Needless to say at the end of the week I was fully exhausted. I actually felt depressed at youth camp on Wednesday and Thursday and am only now beginning to “see the light”. I am having difficulty writing, preparing sermons, speaking to others, as well as battling feelings of worthlessness.
So, what do we do when we crash? How do we fight post-adrenaline depression? Hart’s suggestion may seem surprising: “cooperate with it”. He further explains. “When the adrenal system crashes its need for rejuvenation far exceeds my need just to feel good. In fact, the mood that it creates is deliberately designed to slow me down so that recovery can take place.”
Rather than fighting this feeling it is best to listen to its message. Try to relax. Do not try to find more adrenaline by ski-diving on your day off, just rest, do low-grade activity. As a pastor it may be wise not to take your day off on Monday (or me on Thursday) but rather do “easy” things in the office to recover. Take your day off when you could actually enjoy it.
Hart offers a few more helpful suggestions for dealing with this:
>As soon as possible after the activity is over, go aside and relax for a while.
>Allow the low mood to come over you, welcoming it as your friend.
>Pay attention to what the “healing” process feels like in your body; it’s not really unpleasant if you interpret it as something good.
>Continue to relax for as long as possible, without tackling any task awaiting you, giving priority to your recovery.
>When you feel like it, mark time by doing routine, low-adrenaline demand activities”
>If you are feeling depressed, accept the feeling as part of the recover process—it has no other significance, so don’t try to interpret your feeling or believe any of the negative self-talk that always accompanies it
What do you think? Good advice? What are areas where this thought can be developed further? How might this be difficult to follow? If you are interested in what Hart has to say I would suggest these two books: Unmasking Male Depression, Adrenaline and Stress.
http://sbcvoices.com/mondays-ministry-musing-post-preaching-depression
You have heard me mention this issue over the years. Most Sunday evenings are brutal as I slide into this post-adrenaline zone. You may find this article helpful.
rgh
Have you ever been mightily used by God, get a spiritual high, and then the next day feel like a schmuck? Have you ever been running on a spiritual high for quite some time only to be blown away by an equally crushing period of depression and dryness? If so then you might be experiencing Post-Preaching Depression; or as Archibald Hart has termed it, “Post-adrenaline Depression”.
Hart describes it this way“…what I was experiencing was a profound shutdown of my adrenal system, following a period of high stress or demand. It was as if my adrenal system were saying, “That’s enough abuse for now; let’s give it a break,” and shut down so that I had no choice in the matter.”
Sometimes we experience this because we are adrenaline junkies. Sometimes we experience this because there are seasons in our life when we must rely upon adrenaline (God gives it for a reason). The problem is that we often abuse adrenaline. We get addicted to the “high’s” and become pleasure-seeking adrenaline junkies. So, whether you are addicted to adrenaline or you just crash after big events there is wisdom in understanding post-adrenaline depression.
For me almost any time I preach I am totally spent afterwards. I typically preach on Wednesday evenings. After youth group is over I am exhausted. On Thursday I am drained for a little while but usually back up and running by Thursday evening or Friday morning.
This past week I was the Camp Director/Camp Pastor. It took a few weeks of late nights, stressful planning, and tons of adrenaline even to get ready for camp. Then there was a week of actually speaking twice per day and being responsible for over 100 people. Needless to say at the end of the week I was fully exhausted. I actually felt depressed at youth camp on Wednesday and Thursday and am only now beginning to “see the light”. I am having difficulty writing, preparing sermons, speaking to others, as well as battling feelings of worthlessness.
So, what do we do when we crash? How do we fight post-adrenaline depression? Hart’s suggestion may seem surprising: “cooperate with it”. He further explains. “When the adrenal system crashes its need for rejuvenation far exceeds my need just to feel good. In fact, the mood that it creates is deliberately designed to slow me down so that recovery can take place.”
Rather than fighting this feeling it is best to listen to its message. Try to relax. Do not try to find more adrenaline by ski-diving on your day off, just rest, do low-grade activity. As a pastor it may be wise not to take your day off on Monday (or me on Thursday) but rather do “easy” things in the office to recover. Take your day off when you could actually enjoy it.
Hart offers a few more helpful suggestions for dealing with this:
>As soon as possible after the activity is over, go aside and relax for a while.
>Allow the low mood to come over you, welcoming it as your friend.
>Pay attention to what the “healing” process feels like in your body; it’s not really unpleasant if you interpret it as something good.
>Continue to relax for as long as possible, without tackling any task awaiting you, giving priority to your recovery.
>When you feel like it, mark time by doing routine, low-adrenaline demand activities”
>If you are feeling depressed, accept the feeling as part of the recover process—it has no other significance, so don’t try to interpret your feeling or believe any of the negative self-talk that always accompanies it
What do you think? Good advice? What are areas where this thought can be developed further? How might this be difficult to follow? If you are interested in what Hart has to say I would suggest these two books: Unmasking Male Depression, Adrenaline and Stress.
http://sbcvoices.com/mondays-ministry-musing-post-preaching-depression
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Demise Of The Ministers Housing Allowance?
The common practice of ministers being unethical,immoral and criminal may very well cause each of us to lose a financial benefit in the days ahead. The housing allowance provision is already in the court system and it isn't looking good.
rgh
"When pastoral scandals hit the mainstream news, often the first item cited as evidence that a minister is misusing his or her position is the housing allowance tax break that allows pastors to deduct housing expenses from their income. Sometimes the pastor in question will claim his entire salary as housing allowance. For others, its the sheer size of the allowance that raises suspicion.
At the request of Senator Charles Grassley, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) will lead the independent commission to investigate and offer recommendations to lawmakers on a list of eight issues related to ministry ethics and finances. Housing allowances are near the top of the list.
A 2009 lawsuit filed in California by the Freedom from Religion Foundation argued the housing allowance tax benefit violates the Constitution's Establishment Clause. A government request to dismiss the case was rejected in 2010, allowing it to proceed to trial. Experts like Richard R. Hammar, an attorney and senior editor of the Church Law & Tax Report, are concerned that its outcome may spell the demise of the benefit."
— Church Law & Tax Report
http://ministrytodaymag.com/index.php/ministry-news/65-news-main/19143-housing-allowances-on-thin-ice
rgh
"When pastoral scandals hit the mainstream news, often the first item cited as evidence that a minister is misusing his or her position is the housing allowance tax break that allows pastors to deduct housing expenses from their income. Sometimes the pastor in question will claim his entire salary as housing allowance. For others, its the sheer size of the allowance that raises suspicion.
At the request of Senator Charles Grassley, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) will lead the independent commission to investigate and offer recommendations to lawmakers on a list of eight issues related to ministry ethics and finances. Housing allowances are near the top of the list.
A 2009 lawsuit filed in California by the Freedom from Religion Foundation argued the housing allowance tax benefit violates the Constitution's Establishment Clause. A government request to dismiss the case was rejected in 2010, allowing it to proceed to trial. Experts like Richard R. Hammar, an attorney and senior editor of the Church Law & Tax Report, are concerned that its outcome may spell the demise of the benefit."
— Church Law & Tax Report
http://ministrytodaymag.com/index.php/ministry-news/65-news-main/19143-housing-allowances-on-thin-ice
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10 Simple Things We All Should Say
Saw this posted by Justin Taylor. May our hearts be postured with such humility and character.
rgh
1. Please forgive me.
Better than "I'm sorry," which can often be followed with an "if" or a "but," these words indicate a humble heart. Bad pastors hide their faults behind the cloak of their authority, practice self-defense against all charges, and basically pretend. Good pastors know they're sinners and admit it.
2. You're right.
Good pastors know they're not always (not usually?) the smartest, most "spiritual" person in the room. They are zealous to give credit and acknowledge achievement and intelligence, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it encourages and empowers others.
3. You're wrong.
Bad pastors chicken out when it comes to calling people on sin or biblical ignorance. Good pastors brave potential conflict and hurt feelings and say "You're wrong" in gentle but firm ways when necessary.
4. Jesus loves you.
Why did we stop saying this? I think because it became cliche. I'd love to see a recovery of the art of "Jesus loves you." Strategically said at times of others' admissions of failure, sin, or trouble, "Jesus loves you" is a fantastic way to speak the gospel into people's lives.
5. I love you.
I think one reason we stopped saying "Jesus loves you" to people is because we don't really love them ourselves. Might as well save the hypocrisy, eh? But good pastors lay their lives down for the sheep. Telling people you love them is a reminder to them and to you that sacrificial love is your calling.
6. Me too.
Next to "Grace is true" (see below), these might be the most important words in pastoral counseling. Bad pastors trade regularly in "Not me." In the pulpit and in the office, bad pastors set themselves apart from their congregations with tales of adventure, spirituality, and personal holiness. In the pulpit and in the office, good pastors talk of sin and trials and utter ineptitude and say, "Me too." I have seen entire countenances change when I've said some variation of "Me too."
7. Any time.
Of course you don't mean it literally. But you kinda do. Good pastors are available.
8. Thank you.
Bad pastors think they're owed. Good pastors know everything is a gift.
9. Grace is true.
I think deep down we all want to hear "You're approved" (see below), which is why we find "Grace is true" such a radical statement. You probably won't use the words, of course. But good pastors take the opportunity to glorify God by "talking up" his amazing grace every chance they get. Just 30 minutes ago, my writing of this post got interrupted by a visitor who wanted to talk about works and grace. I relished the chance to confirm his suspicion that grace is true. Bad pastors may say grace is true but the context of their teaching and the expectations in their leadership say "Your works must be this high to ride this ride." I know some of my friends hate it when "gospel" is used as a verb, but I just have to say it: Good pastors gospel their people. :-)
10. You're approved.
Everyone wants to believe they have what it takes, which is why it's such a bummer to hear the first half of the gospel and learn we really don't. Don't leave your people hanging. Be a good news pastor. Bad pastors beat their people up with their failures. Bad pastors are always disappointed. Good pastors know grace is true and Jesus is Lord, so they are ready to challenge every self-despairing soul with the wonderful truth that in Christ we are approved by God. Good pastors tell people they do have what it takes when they have Jesus' righteousness. Do you trust Jesus? You're all set, then.
http://gospeldrivenchurch.blogspot.com/2011/05/10-simple-things-good-pastors-say.html
rgh
1. Please forgive me.
Better than "I'm sorry," which can often be followed with an "if" or a "but," these words indicate a humble heart. Bad pastors hide their faults behind the cloak of their authority, practice self-defense against all charges, and basically pretend. Good pastors know they're sinners and admit it.
2. You're right.
Good pastors know they're not always (not usually?) the smartest, most "spiritual" person in the room. They are zealous to give credit and acknowledge achievement and intelligence, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it encourages and empowers others.
3. You're wrong.
Bad pastors chicken out when it comes to calling people on sin or biblical ignorance. Good pastors brave potential conflict and hurt feelings and say "You're wrong" in gentle but firm ways when necessary.
4. Jesus loves you.
Why did we stop saying this? I think because it became cliche. I'd love to see a recovery of the art of "Jesus loves you." Strategically said at times of others' admissions of failure, sin, or trouble, "Jesus loves you" is a fantastic way to speak the gospel into people's lives.
5. I love you.
I think one reason we stopped saying "Jesus loves you" to people is because we don't really love them ourselves. Might as well save the hypocrisy, eh? But good pastors lay their lives down for the sheep. Telling people you love them is a reminder to them and to you that sacrificial love is your calling.
6. Me too.
Next to "Grace is true" (see below), these might be the most important words in pastoral counseling. Bad pastors trade regularly in "Not me." In the pulpit and in the office, bad pastors set themselves apart from their congregations with tales of adventure, spirituality, and personal holiness. In the pulpit and in the office, good pastors talk of sin and trials and utter ineptitude and say, "Me too." I have seen entire countenances change when I've said some variation of "Me too."
7. Any time.
Of course you don't mean it literally. But you kinda do. Good pastors are available.
8. Thank you.
Bad pastors think they're owed. Good pastors know everything is a gift.
9. Grace is true.
I think deep down we all want to hear "You're approved" (see below), which is why we find "Grace is true" such a radical statement. You probably won't use the words, of course. But good pastors take the opportunity to glorify God by "talking up" his amazing grace every chance they get. Just 30 minutes ago, my writing of this post got interrupted by a visitor who wanted to talk about works and grace. I relished the chance to confirm his suspicion that grace is true. Bad pastors may say grace is true but the context of their teaching and the expectations in their leadership say "Your works must be this high to ride this ride." I know some of my friends hate it when "gospel" is used as a verb, but I just have to say it: Good pastors gospel their people. :-)
10. You're approved.
Everyone wants to believe they have what it takes, which is why it's such a bummer to hear the first half of the gospel and learn we really don't. Don't leave your people hanging. Be a good news pastor. Bad pastors beat their people up with their failures. Bad pastors are always disappointed. Good pastors know grace is true and Jesus is Lord, so they are ready to challenge every self-despairing soul with the wonderful truth that in Christ we are approved by God. Good pastors tell people they do have what it takes when they have Jesus' righteousness. Do you trust Jesus? You're all set, then.
http://gospeldrivenchurch.blogspot.com/2011/05/10-simple-things-good-pastors-say.html
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Five Myths About Forgiveness!
These Five Myths about Forgiveness are written by Dr. Sam Storms.You will
find his writings promoted on John Pipers Desiring God, Monergism, Driscoll's
Acts 29, and AdrianWarnocks site.
I mention all of this so that you can sense the weight of this brothers influence
in the Kingdom and why each of you brothers should prioritize reading the entire
article.
You will discover that the article supports the doctrinal position advocated
during our Redeemed Community days together and which is consistently the
same today. Note that it certainly applies to a relatively recent attack upon
our doctrinal position via a public venue.
.
Be encouraged, we are not alone my friends. There continues to be a broad
and deep remnant of kingdom oriented citizens.
rgh
1. Contrary to what many have been led to believe, forgiveness is not forgetting.
2. Forgiving someone does not mean you no longer feel the pain of their offense
3. Forgiving someone who has sinned against you doesn’t mean you cease longing for justice.
4. Forgiveness does not mean you are to make it easy for the offender to hurt you again.
5. Forgiveness is rarely a one-time, climactic event.
http://www.acts29network.org/article/forgiveness-what-it-is-what-it-isnt/
http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/MP3-Audio--Multimedia/All-Speakers-Lectures-and-Sermons/Samuel-Storms/
find his writings promoted on John Pipers Desiring God, Monergism, Driscoll's
Acts 29, and AdrianWarnocks site.
I mention all of this so that you can sense the weight of this brothers influence
in the Kingdom and why each of you brothers should prioritize reading the entire
article.
You will discover that the article supports the doctrinal position advocated
during our Redeemed Community days together and which is consistently the
same today. Note that it certainly applies to a relatively recent attack upon
our doctrinal position via a public venue.
.
Be encouraged, we are not alone my friends. There continues to be a broad
and deep remnant of kingdom oriented citizens.
rgh
1. Contrary to what many have been led to believe, forgiveness is not forgetting.
2. Forgiving someone does not mean you no longer feel the pain of their offense
3. Forgiving someone who has sinned against you doesn’t mean you cease longing for justice.
4. Forgiveness does not mean you are to make it easy for the offender to hurt you again.
5. Forgiveness is rarely a one-time, climactic event.
http://www.acts29network.org/article/forgiveness-what-it-is-what-it-isnt/
http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/MP3-Audio--Multimedia/All-Speakers-Lectures-and-Sermons/Samuel-Storms/
Laughter Commensurate To Humility: "A Tribute To Joe Sacco"
When I received the videos of my recent visit to Teen Challenge, the first
response was to watch the introductional part where I attempted allow the
students to enjoy laughter at the expense of Joe Sacco.
As I began to watch, I was so overcome with hysterical laughed that tears
were rolling down. What would cause such a reaction? Hearing Joe Sacoo
laughing louder than everyone else in the room, even though he was the
strategic target of the humor. This quote decribes why my special friend
could laugh loudly with 250 other men in the room.
[rgh]
Terry Lindvall writes in Surprised By Laughter: The Comic World of C.S. Lewis:
"Laughter is a divine gift to the human who is humble. A proud man
cannot laugh because he must watch his dignity; he cannot give himself
over to the rocking and rolling of his belly. But a poor and happy man laughs
heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego….Only the truly
humble belong to this kingdom of divine laughter…Humor and humility
should keep good company.
Self deprecating humor can be a healthy reminder that we are not the center
of the universe, that humility is our proper posture before our fellow humans
as well as before almighty God…"
http://trevinwax.com/2011/05/02/humility-and-humor/
response was to watch the introductional part where I attempted allow the
students to enjoy laughter at the expense of Joe Sacco.
As I began to watch, I was so overcome with hysterical laughed that tears
were rolling down. What would cause such a reaction? Hearing Joe Sacoo
laughing louder than everyone else in the room, even though he was the
strategic target of the humor. This quote decribes why my special friend
could laugh loudly with 250 other men in the room.
[rgh]
Terry Lindvall writes in Surprised By Laughter: The Comic World of C.S. Lewis:
"Laughter is a divine gift to the human who is humble. A proud man
cannot laugh because he must watch his dignity; he cannot give himself
over to the rocking and rolling of his belly. But a poor and happy man laughs
heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego….Only the truly
humble belong to this kingdom of divine laughter…Humor and humility
should keep good company.
Self deprecating humor can be a healthy reminder that we are not the center
of the universe, that humility is our proper posture before our fellow humans
as well as before almighty God…"
http://trevinwax.com/2011/05/02/humility-and-humor/
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