Via EURWEB
*”Several years ago I had the great blessing of having been selected as one of about 20 clergy who enjoyed an all expense paid self-care focused pilgrimage to Israel,” writes Rev Dr Melinda Contreras-Byrd of All Christian News. “At least for me it was life changing! I was shocked at what I learned (and now teach) about the lives of pastors.”
Dr. Contreras-Byrd’s report continues …
“Three of the major researchers into clergy life all voiced similar statistics:
The Barna Group reports that
90% of pastors report working between 55- 75 hours per week
50% of pastors report feeling unable to meet the demands of their jobs
70% constantly fight depression
50% of pastors starting out will not last 5 years
50% of pastors’ marriages end in divorce
70% of pastors do not have a close friend
Ellison Research reports that according to the results of their study:
71% of pastors say that they are overweight by an average of 32.1 pounds
52% say that they experience signs of stress on a weekly basis
Other statistics note that pastors’ physical health is comparatively worse than others in the areas in which they live, while pastor’s mental health is likewise riddled with increased symptoms of clinical depression, anxiety, stress and burnout.”
Read the full report at AllChristianNews.com.
