Barna Research Reveals the Crisis No One Talks about among Struggling Pastors

A former pastor and researcher stated that Barna’s research, which revealed that nearly one in five pastors have considered self-harm or suicide in the past year, should prompt the church to take the support needs of pastors seriously. The survey found that 18 percent of Protestant senior pastors had contemplated self-harm or suicide within the past year, with loneliness being a significant factor. Nearly half of pastors reported feeling lonely or isolated, according to Barna.

The well-being of pastors is gaining increased attention in May during Mental Health Awareness Month. While the survey did find that the majority of pastors who had such thoughts considered them fleeting or isolated, it shed light on a significant yet often overlooked need.

Former pastor Joe Jensen emphasized that church members may not realize their pastor’s loneliness, as pastors often lack their own support system despite constantly providing support to others. He highlighted the immense expectations placed on pastors and how the isolation resulting from these expectations can lead to feelings of wanting to give up on ministry or life.

Jensen stressed the importance of redefining pastoral success within the broader body of Christ and called for church leadership to prioritize the well-being of pastors. He suggested that church budgets should allocate resources towards pastor care, emphasizing the importance of investing in the health of pastoral teams.

Jensen recommended that pastors seek not only Christian counseling but also mentoring and peer connections for support. He highlighted the value of connecting with fellow pastors who can relate to their struggles, underscoring the importance of creating a supportive community for pastors to lean on amidst the pressures of their role.

In conclusion, Jensen emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in how pastoral success is defined and how pastors are supported within the church.