More than 60 percent of pastors say stress is a challenge in their day-to-day ministry, according to a new Lifeway Research survey that also found that roughly half list “discouragement” as a common barrier.
The poll found that 63 percent of pastors say they battle stress and 48 percent face discouragement. Just over one in four say loneliness or lack of friendships is a problem, while about one in four say depression is an issue.
Younger pastors are more likely than older pastors to list stress, discouragement, loneliness and depression as issues.
Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research said, “Americans have become much more aware of mental wellbeing, and young pastors have grown up in a culture with much greater transparency around these challenges than previous generations. The high number of young pastors wanting to address these mental challenges means although awareness is higher among them, many have not yet successfully embraced the boundaries, habits and preventative measures they need.”
Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources says pastors should not hesitate to reach out to professionals for help with mental issues adding, “While the Word certainly calls us to lean on the Lord in times of trouble, Scripture also reminds us we are not an island.”