The new Lifeway Research study highlighted evangelical and Black Protestant senior pastors. According to the study, only 1.5% have decided to step away from the church in 2021. 

Compared to a similar study made in 2015, data remains almost unchanged as the previous rate was 1.3%.

Baptist Messenger quoted Lifeway research executive director Scott McConnell who shared: “Many have speculated that pastors have been opting out of the pastorate as a result (of COVID)."

But he stressed, “That is not the case. They are remaining faithful to the calling.”

This year’s sponsors were Houston’s First Baptist Church and Richard Dockins, M.D. (who also sponsored the 2015 study).

The partnership paved the way for the mixed-mode survey of 1,576 pastors. The pastors reportedly participated in the study from Aug. 17 to Sept. 15, 2021.

Senior pastors, priests, and ministers reportedly answered the phone and did online interviews.

Pastors, COVID-19

According to the report, the respondents included senior pastors who were new to their role in the church or serving as senior pastors for the first time. 

Although, a larger percentage of pastors already assumed their role for at least a decade. 

Those who stepped away from the pulpit reportedly only did so to take up a different ministry role, a non-ministry position, or pastoring another church. 

Only around 1.5% of the respondents reportedly left the pastorate before retirement. 

McConnell stressed how COVID-19 is ‘not the most likely reason pastors from a decade ago are no longer pastoring.’ 

He emphasized how retirement continues to be the most common reason for pastors leaving the pulpit. Most noted a change in calling. 

Other pressing issues that led to senior pastors leaving include church conflict, burnout, believing they are a ‘poor fit with the church,’ family issues. 

Less common grounds include ethical issues, illness, personal finance, or lack of preparation.

The report further noted how 9 of 10 current senior pastors ‘are sure they can stay at their church as long as they want.’

Glaring Reasons Why Pastors Leave Church

The report emphasized conflict in the church for why nearly half of the respondents revealed they left their previous church. 

Moreover, at least a third of the respondents reasoned that their families needed a change.

Pastors further took note of unrealistic expectations, not being a good fit for the church, or being asked to leave the church.

Even pastors that did not leave because of church conflict still admitted to ‘dealing with some type of conflict’ in their previous church. 

Such types of conflict included a personal attack, conflict with lay leaders, and conflict over changes they proposed for the church. 

There were also notable disagreements over the church’s expectations about the pastor--including their role and leadership style. 

A few pastors cited conflict over politics or doctrinal differences for their leaving.

McConnell further expanded into the topic, saying, ‘even like-minded people do not always get along.’

“The important thing is whether that church maintains unity and love for each other as they navigate those differences or stoops to personal attacks as many pastors have experienced,” he emphasized.

Apparently, the pastors go on to their next church, ‘expecting they will have to confront conflict again in the future.’

The respondents generally agree that they watch out for signs of church conflict. 

Meanwhile, many senior pastors remain hopeful as they invest in preventive processes and behaviors.

More from Crossmap: 

Houston Methodist Hospital official details virtual technology in response to COVID-19 pandemic