"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

— Matthew 11:28-30, The Message Bible

Some Relevant Statistics

After hitting alarming low points over the past few years, pastor’ confidence in their calling, as well as their satisfaction in their vocation and ministry, have seen encouraging increases. 

However, only 47% of pastors feeling satisfied with their current church ministry is still a sad state of affairs.

• 350+ pastors leave the ministry every month in America.

• 84% say they are on call 24 hours a day.

• 65% fear they are not good enough to meet expectations.

• 62% report feelings of loneliness.

• 58% say they cannot identify one true friend or mentor.

• 57% cannot adequately pay bills; 54% work over 55 hours/week.

• 54% are frequently overwhelmed; 43% are overstressed.

• 50% of seminary trained ministers leave the ministry within 5 years.

• 45% report that they have experienced conflict with a church member in the past month.

• 4,000 churches are planted every year in America; 7,000 close their doors each year.

*Sources: Lifeway Research (lifewayresearch.com); Francis Schaffer Institute (churchleadership.org)