Why are so many pastors dropping out?

DISCLAIMER: The following post is not intended to be a complaint or to be taken negative. It is simpy information. Many people do not understand what it is like to be called "pastor" so the intention is simply to give you some insight into "our" world. I pastor a great church, and am not planning on quitting. But, I know a lot of guys who really struggle with attendance, with momentum, with feelings like they are total failures. So, please read this through the eyes of someone trying to simply 'pull back the curtain' and let you see the Wizard.

For the past 10 days, I have been in Florida to begin my sabbatical. It has given me an opportunity to do some writing, relaxing and honestly not much thinking! That is until this morning, when I woke up early and wanted to let my wife sleep, so my brain kicked into gear.

Have you ever wondered why so many pastors drop out of ministry? I recently read a statistic that 90% of ministers who start in ministry will not retire from ministry. That is a pretty overwhelming number.

Let me relate to you a couple of events from the past few days and I think it will help you will understand. When I am away from home, I usually don't tell people I am a pastor. It either does one of two things, turns the conversation holy or people avoid you like the plague.

But, I was coming here to relax, so I have actually been stupid twice and told people that I am a pastor. Do you want to know what the first question always is? Before I tell you, I want to acknowledge that people aren't trying to be rude or insensitive, it is just that.... as pastors we all know that there is only one measuring stick of success that the world views us by. The next question is always, "how big is your church?"

Let's stop for a second and think. When was the last time you talked to a plumber and asked them, "how much did you make last year?" Or a salesman, "How many dollars did you do in sales last year?" The only way you would ask that question of a total stranger is if you were a complete jerk.

Here is what that question means. I want to know the size of your congregation, so I can slot you into how valuable and good you are. Whether it is meant that way or not, that is exactly what is happening.

To prove it, let me relate the rest of the story. Now, I pastor a pretty healthy church. We aren't in the Bible belt, so mega churches in Cleveland Ohio are very rare compared to the Bible Belt. We aren't a mega church, but healthy.

Since I don't want to get caught in the "numbers game," I have tried to be ambiguous regarding the size of our church. So, I tried the "a few hundred" response, to let themn know that I am not going to be rude, but I am not going really wanting to answer their question.

With a straight face, I can tell you that the lady I was talking to followed up with, "that's a little church." Wow, woman......

Let me explain something about the American church. The church we see on the street is a business. It has to be run like a business to give opportunity for ministry. This is the painful nature of the beast. Many pastors are horrible business men. They may be great men of God and capable ministers, but just don't have the business skills to lead "big" churches.

We need to make up our minds. Do we want slick business men leading us to God, or men and women of faith? If Christian TV is any example, we want slick salesmen who sell us dreams, not reality. And, if the questions we ask of our pastors reveal anything, it is that what people in America (Christian and non Christian) really value success, not Godliness.

Now you have a little insight into why pastors want to quit.