Arrrr! Yonder survey be sayin' US pastors be sufferin' from a dreadful case o' post-plague exhaustion, mateys!
2024-01-11
Avast ye! News from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research be tellin' us that the goodly Christian clergy in the U.S., be sufferin' from a mighty case of post-pandemic burnout. Arr, 'tis a matter of grave concern fer us all!
Post-pandemic burnout among Christian clergy in the U.S. is reaching alarming levels, causing many to contemplate leaving their positions, according to a nationwide survey. The survey, conducted by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, reveals that over 40% of surveyed clergy considered leaving their congregations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with more than half seriously considering leaving the ministry altogether. Approximately 10% of clergy reported frequently experiencing these thoughts.The high rates of clergy considering quitting are attributed to the "collective trauma" experienced by both clergy and congregants since 2020, says Scott Thumma, the institute's director. Factors contributing to burnout include declining attendance, decreased volunteering rates, and resistance to change among members. Pastors cited exhaustion and difficulties engaging new attendees as major challenges.
These struggles predate the pandemic, with in-person attendance declining over the years and an aging congregation. Despite a surge in innovation during the pandemic, the survey notes that congregants are now less willing to embrace change.
Thumma emphasizes the need to consider the broader context in understanding clergy burnout, highlighting factors such as the declining population of struggling rural towns. The survey reveals that approximately one-third of clergy are contemplating leaving both their congregation and the ministry altogether, while another third are considering one or the other.
Mainline Protestant clergy are most likely to consider leaving, followed by evangelical Protestants, while Catholic and Orthodox priests are the least likely. The survey also suggests that clergy experiencing conflict within their congregations are more likely to consider leaving and feel less connected to their congregants.
Although the survey results indicate a higher percentage of clergy considering quitting compared to previous surveys, it also highlights that most clergy report good mental and physical health. The survey was based on responses from approximately 1,700 Christian clergy members across various denominations. Similar research by Pew Research Center also showed a decrease in in-person worship attendance, particularly impacting Black Protestant churches.