The COVID-19 pandemic put a dent in most aspects of American life and the local church was certainly not spared. Most churches in the US. are drawing far fewer worshippers than they were before the pandemic. That may be one reason 38 percent of pastors from those churches told Barna they are "seriously considering leaving full-time ministry."
That's a significant jump from the pre-pandemic days according to Barna’s own mountain of data.
Responding to that survey, longtime church pastor Bert Harper says it is true the pandemic made a hard job even harder.
“Pastoring is difficult no matter when or where,” he says, “but when other people begin to drop off, you begin to wonder, Am I effective?”
He says the key to reviving the passion for ministry is for pastors to get – and to give – encouragement. That should include surrounding yourself with Godly fellow pastors who are seasoned in ministry.
Harper, co-host of the AFR show "Exploring the Word," has more advice for burned-out pastors. First, it might be hard for a pastor to admit to his congregation he needs help. Secondly, he says, don’t stress over what you can’t change.
“Don't count the nickels and the noses,” Harper advises. “What you have to do is go back to your calling: that you were called of God under all circumstances.”
