Rugged times out there? You bet.

Not only do laypersons get caught in the squash, pastors get messed
up big time.

Note the results of the l99l Fuller Institute of Church Growth
survey of l000 pastors throughout the US:

* 90% of pastors work more than 46 hours per week.

* 80% believe pastoral ministry has affected their families
negatively.

* 33% say that being in ministry is an OUTRIGHT HAZARD to their
families.

* 75% report a significant stress-related crisis at least once in
their ministry.

* 50% feel unable to meet the demands of the job.

* 90% feel they were inadequately trained to cope with ministry
demands.

* 70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they started.

* 40% report a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a
month.

* 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.

* 50% have considered leaving ministry in the last 3 months.

Some other startling statistics from other recent surveys:

* A church that has fired a pastor has a 70% chance that it will do
the same to the following pastor.

* 50% of those who go into fulltime service drop out in 5 years.

* The profession of "Pastor" is near the bottom of a l995
survey of most-respected professions, just above "Car
Salesman."

* The vocational life of a pastor is down from 20 years, as
reported in l980, to l4 years in l995.

* 94% of clergy families feel the pressures of the pastor’s
ministry.

* 66% of church members expect a ministry and family to live at a
higher moral standard than they.

This information is provided by PastorCare Network, POB 52044,
Raleigh, NC 276l2; phone: 9l9-787-7024. Email:
Fax: 9l9-571-9878.

Please contact PastorCare if you could provide practical assistance
to hurting pastors and their families: prayer intercessions,
hospitality hosts, interim employment, legal aid, health care, Christian
counseling, mentoring.

Executive Director is Filbert L. Moore, Jr., D. Min.