Healthy Pastors?

I recently came across some comments and statistics published in the New York Times in August of last year.  After noting that, “Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans.  In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen.  Many would change jobs if they could . . .” several statistics were given such as:

• 45% of pastors say that they have experienced depression or burnout to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence from ministry.

• 52% of pastors say they and their spouses believe that being in pastoral ministry is hazardous to their family’s well-being and health.

• 70% do not have any close friends.

• 75% report severe stress causing anguish, worry, bewilderment, anger, depression, fear, and alienation.

• 80% of pastors say they have insufficient time with their spouse.

• 94% feel under pressure to have a perfect family.

• 1,500 pastors leave their ministries each month due to burnout, conflict, or moral failure.

Now, for all I know there are similar statistics to be cited for teachers or factory workers or corporate lawyers and stay-at-home parents.  But the fact that these statistics focus on pastors, whom one might think would have the kind of life priorities to exhibit a healthier picture of life, is quite startling.

Which makes me wonder . . . if you are a pastor and find any of these statistics hitting close to home, what are you doing to reverse those trends in your life?

If you are a church leader and sense your pastor is described in some of these statistics, how might you be supportive to reverse those trends in his or her life?

Grace to you - Steve Ebling