I had the great privilege in February to spend considerable time with key church leaders from a variety of denominations. A number of us met at Matanzas Theological Seminary in Cuba to discuss the trends happening in a variety of countries, and how several reformed churches that are a part of the World Communion of Reformed Churches are responding. Specifically, we addressed gender issues and the ways economics, racism and politics affect equality. As Christians, we still have plenty of work to do to help the most vulnerable in our countries.
At a different event hosted by the Canadian Council of Churches, we identified many key challenges. Many are struggling with similar fundamental issues such as human sexuality, assisted death and institutional organization. One glaring reality that became apparent is the alarming number of clergy and church leaders who are feeling numb or burned out. We discovered the same at our conference in Cuba.
More than 20,000 clergy left the ministry in 2010 alone in the U.S., and according to a survey done by the Francis Schaeffer Institute, 71 per cent of pastors serving churches today are burned out and battling depression and fatigue. The same survey discovered that 48 per cent would leave their churches today if they could get other jobs. The statistics are similar here in Canada. (For further material see the Alban Institute’s work on clergy burnout and previous articles in the Presbyterian Record.) Certainly, in my travels throughout the church, I am discovering clergy who are faithful, devoted Christians and yet they are struggling to keep their heads above water.
There are several contributing factors. The church is rapidly changing and many congregations are declining. In such a climate, the already mixed expectations that clergy experience are intensified. At times the theology of the pastor can be quite different to the majority of the people in his/her congregation and many struggle with the internal tug-of-war between integrity and keeping the peace. Congregations will often see their clergy as hired to do their Christian work. Reasonability is often missing in church debates and often people do not separate their ideology from their identity. Many pastors will also recognize their own complicity in burnout as they work unreasonable hours that are self-imposed.
It is important to recognize that clergy, national staff and church professionals are human beings with limitations, weaknesses and needs.
This Lent, spend time praying for your pastor and church leaders. Honestly struggle together to examine different ways to get all the work done.
Take the time to say thank you. Give helpful feedback after you have examined whether your concern is in your own self-interest or for the greater good. Perhaps most important of all, use Lent to examine your own calling and how God wants you to use your gifts.
The Apostle Paul outlines beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12 that the work of ministry is shared by all of us and the whole body suffers when we do not share our unique gifts. Seek God’s Spirit this Lent and explore how God would have you support the body of Christ and every member within it.
