Why is There a Need for Pastoral Care?

Pastors are special people.  They are the ones that most Christians call first whenever they need help but let me ask you a question, “Where do pastors go when they need help?”  Over 70% of ministers report not having a close friend. 

Denominations are very important to their pastors and local churches.  But there is a “Dual Relationship” involved which causes some pastors to be reluctant to share their shortcomings or needs openly to denominational leaders.  Denominations provide structure and support for their pastors, but they also provide discipline, which is needed for any denomination to maintain integrity within the ministry.  Most pastors desire for their denominational leaders to think positively about them and their church, not about their problem or issue.  This is why so many pastors keep their issues, needs, or hurts to themselves. 

Pastors cannot share their feelis and hurts openly with the church.  The church looks up to the pastor as their spiritual leader.  They only see their pastor as being positive, encouraging, and without any problems.  But pastors are people too!  Members usually never see the long hours, vacation and family times cut short because someone is either in the hospital or someone has died, being on call 24/7, unrealistic expectations of the ministry, and perhaps a lack of spiritual vision and growth from members.

Pastoral Care, Inc. is a safe and confidential place for pastors to call.  We soon discovered that there were no other comprehensive ministries dedicated to specifically help encourage our ministers to stay in the ministry and offer help for those who are hurting.  Pastors have told us that it is so reassuring to know that there is a ministry specially designed for them!

Our services are free!!!  When pastors call, we never ask for money.  We only ask, “How can we help?”  If there is a need, we try to find someone to bless and honor that need through our National Caregiver Network. 

We work with our denominations.  Pastoral Care, Inc. does not duplicate services provided by local denominations.  We try to compliment in a “behind the scenes” approach and do this in a confidential way so that pastors can openly call someone they can trust for help.  We have helped thousands of pastors with legal help, counseling, limited medical assistance, vacation get-a-ways, artisan needs, prayer, and most of all, we have been instrumental in keeping our pastors from leaving the ministry! We are here to simply serve. 

A Pastor is Important to Us and Our Community!

A Pastor has a special calling in their life.  God has sent them to our church "for such a time as this" and we all appreciate what they do for us and for the Kingdom of God! 

Here are a few duties of a pastor: 

• Each week pastors preach and encourage their members to live closer to the Word of God.  Some people may be resistant to change their lifestyle. 
• Pastors comforts those who are hurting or in need, making countless number of trips to the hospital.  They also provide counseling services.  
• Conducts weddings and funerals for members and sometimes for extended family member outside of the church. 
• Pastors are concerned about the eternal soul of a person, often being the only one who will lead others to Christ. 
• Pastor will conduct the business of the church.  A pastor is expected to be knowledgeable in finances, legal issues, and any other areas of the church while trying to "carve" out time for personal prayer and sermon preparation. 
• A Pastor will attempt to maintain a spiritual consistency within the church, often settling disputes or disagreements within the body. 
• A Pastor will share God's vision for the church, trying to get members to embrace that same vision. 
• 72% of pastors report working between 55-75 hours per week.  That is about 80% more than the average worker in the church.
• 84% of pastors feel that are on call 24/7.
• So many duties and more!!!   No wonder why many of our pastors seem to "burn a candle" at both ends, not having enough time in their day.  This does not include time they need to spend with their family or other personal time. 

There is not a better or more meaningful occupation than that of a pastor; however, the statistics of the ministry is not good.  We estimate that over 95% of our congregations are unaware of the "real" statistics within the ministry.   Let's take a look at a few statistics of the ministry. 

Consider these statistics: 

• 38% of pastors are thinking of quitting the ministry, 51% from mainline denominations.  (November 29, 2021) Of the 38%, almost half (46%) are under age 45. 
• 50% of pastors are age 56 and above.
• 70% of pastors report not hang a close friend.
• 80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many pastor's children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.
• 66% of church members expect a minister and family to live at a higher moral standard than themselves.
• 50% of new pastors coming into the ministry will not last 5 years!
• The moral value of America is at an all -time low.
• 46% of Americans today feel the church has a value, down from decades of being around 70%. 
• For more statistics, please clink onto our statistics page.

Why is there a need for Pastoral Care?  We believe we need to pray, encourage, and support our pastors and churches like we have never needed to do before!  We also believe our future and the future of America is at stake!!! 

For decades, many of our statistics have remained the same.  During the time of Pastoral Care, Inc., we have not seen a noticeable improvement from any of these statistics from other researchers.  Some researchers have even argued that their reasons are more accurate from others, which is ridiculous and takes away from the real issue.  The real issue lies in the fact that too many pastors have either left or are thinking about leaving the ministry.  And the real fact is that over 99% of our pastors we minister to remain active in the ministry!  Compare this with any other ministry!

Statistics without solutions has always bothered us.  Statistics are great to bring an awareness to any issue or problem, but it does not improve the situation.  I am reminded of the scripture found in James 2:26, which states, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”   We must support our pastors with proven interventions that will make a difference while they are in the ministry, not at the point of no return.  Pastoral Care is that support network!

Pastoral Care, Inc. has established a network of caregivers to bless and encourage our pastors.  Over the last 18 years, we have identified ways to eliminate or reduce these negative statistics found in the ministry from being "accepted" factors. Our ministry, along with thousands of caregivers, have reduced the number of pastors leaving the ministry to under 1%.  While researchers and other ministries disagree with one another, Pastoral Care, Inc. is the leader in preventing pastors from leaving the ministry.

Be a part of a ministry that is making a difference in the lives of thousands of pastors in America.  Join and support our ministry.  Because, together, we can make a difference!

Our ultimate goal is for our country to get her eyes back on the things of God.  Wouldn't it be great if American would once again proclaim to be, "One Nation Under God".  Well, it can happen!  We believe this will only come from Strong Churches.  Strong churches are led by Strong Pastors.  As we encourage, strengthen, and support our pastors, they will be the leaders God has called them to be, encouraging everyone to live closer to the Word of God, thus making a difference in our communities and Nation. 

There has never been a better time to encourage our pastors and churches in America.  Continue to pray for us as we endeavor to make a difference in our pastors, our churches, and our Nation.