Why Are 50% Of Pastors Divorced & 70% Are Depressed

[iLOVE]

Why Are 50% Of Pastors Divorced & 70% Are Depressed? Please post your Godly views on this subject.

Three of the major researchers into clergy life all voiced similar statistics:
The Barna Group reports that

90% of pastors report working between 55- 75 hours per week

50% of pastors report feeling unable to meet the demands of their jobs

70% constantly fight depression

50% of pastors starting out will not last 5 years

50% of pastors’ marriages end in divorce

70% of pastors do not have a close friend

Ellison Research reports that according to the results of their study:

71% of pastors say that they are overweight by an average of 32.1 pounds

52% say that they experience signs of stress on a weekly basis

Other statistics note that pastors’ physical health is comparatively worse than
others in the areas in which they live, while pastor’s mental health is likewise riddled with increased symptoms of clinical depression, anxiety, stress and burnout.

http://allchristiannews.com/why-50-of-pastors-are-divorced-70-are-depressed/

 

[jeff77]

That is interesting. I personally don't know of nor have ever had a pastor that has been divorced. I know a couple that deal with depression.

 

[tim-from-pa]

Why Are 50% Of Pastors Divorced & 70% Are Depressed? Please post your Godly views on this subject.

Three of the major researchers into clergy life all voiced similar statistics:
The Barna Group reports that

90% of pastors report working between 55- 75 hours per week

50% of pastors report feeling unable to meet the demands of their jobs

70% constantly fight depression

50% of pastors starting out will not last 5 years

50% of pastors’ marriages end in divorce

70% of pastors do not have a close friend

Ellison Research reports that according to the results of their study:

71% of pastors say that they are overweight by an average of 32.1 pounds

52% say that they experience signs of stress on a weekly basis

Other statistics note that pastors’ physical health is comparatively worse than
others in the areas in which they live, while pastor’s mental health is likewise riddled with increased symptoms of clinical depression, anxiety, stress and burnout.

http://allchristiannews.com/why-50-of-pastors-are-divorced-70-are-depressed/

Because they are just worldly workers like everyone else under the religious traditions of men but merely working in the name of Christ. I know a pastor on his 3rd wife. Geeez. One would be enough for me. If that did not work out, then that would be the end of it --- single for life.

 

[iLOVE]

Can pastors be divorced? Should a divorced man or woman be permitted to serve as a pastor? Can they be credible as shepherds in the flock of Christ’s church. The grace of the gospel enables us to overcome the most sinful pasts, but it also calls for us to hold church leaders to a high standard.

<SUP class=versenum>4 </SUP>He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.<SUP class=crossreference value='(A)'></SUP> <SUP class=versenum>5 </SUP>(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 1 Timothy 3:4-5 NIV

 

[divinecloud7]

Can pastors be divorced? Should a divorced man or woman be permitted to serve as a pastor? Can they be credible as shepherds in the flock of Christ’s church. The grace of the gospel enables us to overcome the most sinful pasts, but it also calls for us to hold church leaders to a high standard.

<sup class="versenum">4 </sup>He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.<sup class="crossreference" value='(A)'></sup> <sup class="versenum">5 </sup>(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 1 Timothy 3:4-5 NIV

Well written and replied.

 

[Guest]

You cannot mix love and lust together or intimacy and sexual immorality. A lot of people marry into lust instead of love.

 

[Angel]

"70% of pastors do not have a close friend"...

This makes me sad. How can you carry the weight of the church on your back alone?

 

[Nick]

"70% of pastors do not have a close friend"...

This makes me sad. How can you carry the weight of the church on your back alone?

Well the answer is you can't, and so this figure probably directly relates to high pastor depression.

A local church plant near me has the pastor almost running it on his own. There are people there that could effectively share the load and serve as elders/deacons, but this pastor finds it difficult to delegate. I can just tell this will have a negative effect on him and the church in the future. I just hope he gets the leadership help he needs soon

 

[Sparkey]

In his recently released book and a subsequent research report on worldviews, author and researcher George Barna made waves by citing statistics showing just 9% of all born again adults and just 7% of Protestants possess a biblical worldview. That information pricked people’s curiosity regarding the worldviews of the nation’s religious leaders, prompting Barna Research to conduct a national survey on that topic among Protestant pastors. The numbers are now in - and the outcome may again shock many people.

Based on interviews with 601 Senior Pastors nationwide, representing a random cross-section of Protestant churches, Barna reports that only half of the country’s Protestant pastors - 51% - have a biblical worldview. Defining such a worldview as believing that absolute moral truth exists, that it is based upon the Bible, and having a biblical view on six core beliefs (the accuracy of biblical teaching, the sinless nature of Jesus, the literal existence of Satan, the omnipotence and omniscience of God, salvation by grace alone, and the personal responsibility to evangelize), the researcher produced data showing that there are significant variations by denominational affiliation and other demographics.

Source: Only Half Of Protestant Pastors Have A Biblical Worldview

Is it coincidence that the same researcher reports 50% rates for a variety of things? I wonder if there is a followup study or correlation? Probably. He did write a book about it.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I can't imagine the position they are in is easy. That is why we should pray for our pastors, at the very least.

As for divorced...well, there is a verse about the pastor being a husband of one wife. I don't remember the reference right now.

 

[George Muller]

"70% of pastors do not have a close friend"...

This makes me sad. How can you carry the weight of the church on your back alone?

Yea I think this is the issue, like Peter who attempted to stand in the time of testing, by his own strength, he was no match for satan. Many pastors are trying to take heavy loads and do not know how to cast their cares upon the Lord.
The scriptures do not say in vain, "BY GRACE YE STAND" no doubt many pastors are not as 'weak' as they should be? ''FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG''

 

[Nick]

I can't imagine the position they are in is easy. That is why we should pray for our pastors, at the very least.

As for divorced...well, there is a verse about the pastor being a husband of one wife. I don't remember the reference right now.

Indeed. I think that's Philippians 3.

Sent from my HTC One SV using Tapatalk 2

 

[Drew]

Why Are 50% Of Pastors Divorced & 70% Are Depressed? Please post your Godly views on this subject.

I am not a pastor, but have worked closely with them. Based on this experience, and other things I have read / heard, I believe one reason is the problem of dealing with mentally unwell, or downright evil, people.

At my workplace, a person who is disruptive and or destructive is fired. Simple.

At church, however, you cannot (and arguably should not) force someone with such problems to leave the church. In a congregation of, say, 200 people (a small one), I suggest that there is likely at least one "deranged" person who makes it their personal mission to harass, pester, and annoy the pastor.

No wonder they (pastors) have so many problems.

Example: I believe that about 50 % of pastors have been "stalked" by a member of their congregation. And yes, women do indeed stalk.

 

[Drew]

Defining such a worldview as believing that absolute moral truth exists, that it is based upon the Bible, and having a biblical view on six core beliefs (the accuracy of biblical teaching, the sinless nature of Jesus, the literal existence of Satan, the omnipotence and omniscience of God, salvation by grace alone, and the personal responsibility to evangelize),

I have strong doubts about these 6 criteria. Are they really the central elements of a "Biblical" worldview?

First, Paul's teaching (and Jesus's too) is one where final salvation is based on "good deeds" - see Romans 2. However, to make a very long story very short: to the extent that the Spirit produces these deeds, and to the extent that the Spirit is given based on grace, it more or less works out to the same thing. But not quite, in my opinion.

Second, I do not think the Bible really teaches either omniscience or omnipotence, at the least in the sense that these concepts are embraced by some. God cannot "do whatever He wants" - He is bound by His prior commitments. And I believe the Scriptures suggest that God does not know everything - there are texts where God is "surprised". Watch how people will bend those texts out of shape to preserve the "perfect omniscience" position.

Third, what about the idea that the kingdom of God is here?! And that we are agents of its implementation - that we are to mold the world and its institutions as Jesus instructed us? That should certainly be on the list. Its our major vocation.

So, as stated at the outset, I am not entirely comfortable with this "list" as definitive of a "Biblical worldview".

 

[reba]

Why Are 50% Of Pastors Divorced & 70% Are Depressed? Please post your Godly views on this subject.

Three of the major researchers into clergy life all voiced similar statistics:
The Barna Group reports that

90% of pastors report working between 55- 75 hours per week

A true pastor is at work 24/7 sorta like a mom

50% of pastors report feeling unable to meet the demands of their jobs

duties need to be spelled out

70% constantly fight depression

throw out the TV

50% of pastors starting out will not last 5 years

many are not called just wanting to be

50% of pastors’ marriages end in divorce

lack of commitment

70% of pastors do not have a close friend

Odd i was taught Jesus is our friend who sticks closer than a brother

Ellison Research reports that according to the results of their study.

71% of pastors say that they are overweight by an average of 32.1 pounds

this one a easy potlucks

52% say that they experience signs of stress on a weekly basis

The battle is the Lords not theirs

Other statistics note that pastors’ physical health is comparatively worse than
others in the areas in which they live, while pastor’s mental health is likewise riddled with increased symptoms of clinical depression, anxiety, stress and burnout.

surte shows how far we have drifted from our 'first love'
http://allchristiannews.com/why-50-of-pastors-are-divorced-70-are-depressed/

reba was a pastors daughter

 

[Dustoftheearth]

I believe it is because the vast majority take a work, roll, position in the Church, that is none scriptural.

Pastor/teacher is nothing more than one of the many gifts given by the Holy Spirit. There is no other qualifying need then this. There can be many pastor/teachers in a local Church, just as there can be many prophets, evangelists, workers of miracles etc..

The local Church is to be overseen by Elders, and an Elder can have any of the gifts given, but they have to have a certain moral standing (1Tim 3) to qualify as an Elder.

Paul was an apostle, but he was never an Elder of any local Church. Peter and John were apostles, but they were also Elders.

When you are doing something that you are not called to do by God, then you are doing it in your own strength, for your own glory.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

50% of pastors starting out will not last 5 years

many are not called just wanting to be

Well, I came here to say this, but I see you said it.

For many years I thought about being a pastor. Then I realized I wouldn't want me to be my pastor. It's a special calling for a specially equipped person, that equipping being seen in their victory over sin.

Honestly, I'm of the belief now that pastors, those truly called and equipped for that position, are squeaky clean and distinguished from the rest of us struggling sheep. I have known a few (I've known lots more of the other). Not perfect, of course, but 'perfect' so to speak as to the successful dealings of their problems.

"2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate (that 'one wife' thing, I think), self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap." (1 Timothy 3:2-7 NIV)

Somewhere along the line we decided to not use this as the criteria for a pastor. And I would add the criteria of having been 'tested' to the list, which Paul says elsewhere, I think. An untested person who thinks they're qualified to do the job probably has a pride problem that will nip him later on.

 

[George Muller]

50% of pastors starting out will not last 5 years

many are not called just wanting to be

Well, I came here to say this, but I see you said it.

For many years I thought about being a pastor. Then I realized I wouldn't want me to be my pastor. It's a special calling for a specially equipped person, that equipping being seen in their victory over sin.

Honestly, I'm of the belief now that pastors, those truly called and equipped for that position, are squeaky clean and distinguished from the rest of us struggling sheep. I have known a few (I've known lots more of the other). Not perfect, of course, but 'perfect' so to speak as to the successful dealings of their problems.

"2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate (that 'one wife' thing, I think), self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap." (1 Timothy 3:2-7 NIV)

Somewhere along the line we decided to not use this as the criteria for a pastor. And I would add the criteria of having been 'tested' to the list, which Paul says elsewhere, I think. An untested person who thinks they're qualified to do the job probably has a pride problem that will nip him later on.

I think that these scriptures have been taken apart from the gospel, that "appearance" has replaced men who walk in the Power of Gods Spirit.
Was Peter ''above reproach"? no! But the truth of who he was and Gods Spirit proved out.
Appearance is nothing, and these scriptures are not intended to promote a outward display of mans religion.
1Ti 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

I would say the problem is not that of appearance, but that most do not seem to have or hold the mystery of godliness. (which is spiritual)

 

[Jethro Bodine]

50% of pastors starting out will not last 5 years

many are not called just wanting to be

Well, I came here to say this, but I see you said it.

For many years I thought about being a pastor. Then I realized I wouldn't want me to be my pastor. It's a special calling for a specially equipped person, that equipping being seen in their victory over sin.

Honestly, I'm of the belief now that pastors, those truly called and equipped for that position, are squeaky clean and distinguished from the rest of us struggling sheep. I have known a few (I've known lots more of the other). Not perfect, of course, but 'perfect' so to speak as to the successful dealings of their problems.

"2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate (that 'one wife' thing, I think), self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap." (1 Timothy 3:2-7 NIV)

Somewhere along the line we decided to not use this as the criteria for a pastor. And I would add the criteria of having been 'tested' to the list, which Paul says elsewhere, I think. An untested person who thinks they're qualified to do the job probably has a pride problem that will nip him later on.

I think that these scriptures have been taken apart from the gospel, that "appearance" has replaced men who walk in the Power of Gods Spirit.
Was Peter ''above reproach"? no! But the truth of who he was and Gods Spirit proved out.
Appearance is nothing, and these scriptures are not intended to promote a outward display of mans religion.
1Ti 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

I would say the problem is not that of appearance, but that most do not seem to have or hold the mystery of godliness. (which is spiritual)

I'm thinking along these lines:

"16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?" (Matthew 7: NASB)

It's about character--not perfection, but what characterizes the man. Without knowing the details I'd say we'd have to examine the pastor who's been divorced three times.

I read a stat somewhere that 55% of pastors have viewed porn in the last year, a slightly higher percentage than men not in the ministry. That's not encouraging to me. But it's not surprising, either. Don't get me wrong, I have lot's of compassion and sympathy for pastors. I think I understand the demands that ministry places on them. That's how I know I'm not supposed to a pastor.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

I think that these scriptures have been taken apart from the gospel, that "appearance" has replaced men who walk in the Power of Gods Spirit.

I see this as being part of the world.
The world has it's own idea of how we should appear to people and the church has taken these standards.
Pastors are required to dress a certain way, act a certain way, perform their duties a certain way, finish their sermons on time, etc...
I've seen pastors put on fake smiles each time they greet someone, then put their depressed, stressed face back on when they walk away.
I know this to be true.
Churches are businesses, they are run a certain way, and pastors are required to stay within the boundaries that have been set up.
In America, pastors go into debt just like everyone else and therefore hold onto their position so that they don't go broke.

And I could go on and on.

I feel sorry for them, but it's up to them to change.
Therefore, we should always pray for our pastors, even when we don't see a problem.