Clarification and Discussion Concerning Our Statistics

Statistics can be misleading or can be interpreted for one’s purpose or cause.  Many of these statistics may easily be questioned.  The random sampling, the demographics, and the wording of the question can yield different results.  Most statistics have remained about the same, some have increased and decreased due to many factors.  We will attempt to explain or examine a few statistics in question.    

DISCLAIMER:  We are conducting our own research in these areas.  Once we have finished our findings, we will publish these on our website.  We do not validate the statistics below as being totally accurate nor any other new research that we have seen lately.  The emphasis or argument should not be on exact numbers; although it is important to report accurately, but the emphasis should be focused on that too many pastors have left their positions as a pastor (not necessarily the ministry).  We need to strengthen and encourage our pastors in every way to keep them as a pastor, help strengthen our churches to make a difference in our communities, and get our country’s eyes back on the things of God!  Strong churches are led by strong pastors!

                                  1,500 ministers leave the ministry each month. 

1.  First of all, we want to clarify that this number is an old statistic that is over 20 years old.  More recent statistics have reported lower numbers.  One survey claims only 250 pastors leave the ministry each month.  Pastoral Care, Inc. believes the truth lies somewhere in between.  If we used simple math and logic, this finding reveals that only 5 pastors leave the ministry for each state (250 pastors divided by 50 states)  Most states reveal that they have 40 different denominations in their state, which would mean that the numbers of pastors leaving  would be .125 for each denomination (not 1 but 8 times lower than just losing 1 pastor from each denomination.  This would possibly mean that each denomination loses 1.5 pastors per year!  Then multiply this times the hundreds of churches for each denomination which exist in that state.  The numbers would merely suggest that no pastor leaves the ministry.  We believe the numbers are some where in between. 
2.  Secondly, the statistic mentions the word ministers, not pastors.  This is a very important distinction.  We know pastors who have left their pastoral positions but still consider themselves as active in the ministry.  We have discovered that many of these ministers do not have an active ministry, but they feel very strongly about their being called into the ministry.  We have also found by removing the word ministers and placing the word pastors clarifies what most researchers are trying to discover “how many pastors are leaving.”  Low findings may be a result of improper wording.  Our first surveys used words "leaving the ministry”.  We discovered the numbers were dramatically lower than anticipated.  We realized there is a distinction of "leaving the ministry" vs. "leaving the role of being a pastor."  Once we re-phrased the questions to “leaving the role of a pastor” and "thinking about leaving the role of a pastor", our numbers dramatically increased.  We believe this is a true reflection of what we are looking for.  Most pastors feel they are “called” into the ministry and will always believe that they are in the ministry, perhaps not as a pastor.  Clarification can definitely bring different results.   We encourage others to change their wording also to reflect a true number of pastors who are either thinking about leaving as a pastor or those who have actually left as a pastor. We need to keep our pastors actively involved as pastors so our churches can make a difference in this world!  Churches without pastors do not make differences in our communities, nation, and world.
3. We have also discovered that the younger ministers view the role as a pastor somewhat differently from seasoned pastors.  Most seasoned pastors believe that some of the younger pastors may not be as committed or will sacrifice as much as they have done as a pastor.  We seem to be entering a new era where the pressures of the ministry may not be as strong as previous predecessors.  Many of our churches have gone from 3 or more services a week to only having a Sunday morning service.  Preparing for one service versus three is much easier for our pastors.  Technology has also helped many of our pastors, young and old alike.  Advanced commentaries, articles, and other helps on the internet have greatly helped pastors to develop their sermon and accuracy.  Also, many of our younger pastors bring advanced technology in audio-visual to our churches that many of our older generation did not have.  Many of our younger pastors may have less demands, delegate more, have more technical resources available to them, and some are not as concerned about pleasing everyone in their congregation but focus on their perceived roles. 
4. We are also concerned about the aging population of pastors.  We have some state denominations that report that 50% of their pastors are within 5 years of retiring.  This brings a great concern that there may not be enough pastors to fill those who will be retiring.     

Conclusion:  We have denominations that report numbers of people entering the ministry, but few seem to be willing to be a pastor.  We believe that the numbers of 1,700 ministers leaving the ministry each month is not accurate.  We also believe that the number of pastors leaving the role of a pastor is much higher than some report.  Increased support for pastors from their church and lowering demands can greatly lower the number of those who leave the role of a pastor.  We believe the advent of Pastor Appreciation has greatly improved and taught members to honor the role of a pastor.  An aging population of pastors retiring can increase the numbers.  These numbers will also rise if many of our pastors are indeed retiring or are close to retiring.  We will soon report our own findings.     

                        1,300 ministers are terminated by the church each month. 

1.  Even though this statistic is also over 20 years old, we have not seen any further evidence that the numbers are lower or higher.  The governing body of some churches can be stern (perhaps person-centered instead of spirit-led which causes a pastor turnover), and trying to always find the right pastor for their congregation for their needs.  Another factor is the fact some churches may not have the same vision as the pastor.  To be effective in growth and outreach, the church and pastor must embrace the same vision, otherwise there is division in the mission of the church.  The pastor may encourage others to follow his/her vision when they may not be willing to do so, thus causing more frustration. 
2. The pastor’s role is to encourage every member to change.  In other words, to live closer to the Word of God and to follow everything that is within the Bible, even when members may not be fully willing to do so.  Some will agree in word only, but then not live by what they agree.  One of the most hurting statistics found is that the moral values of a Christian and non-Christian are about the same.  Where is the testimony?
    

Conclusion:  We are gathering statistics from every denomination and hope to present current day totals soon.  We do not have enough evidence to conclude either way right now.

                         3,500 People a day leave the church. 

1.  Most denominations are reporting tremendous growth on other continents, but that is not particularly true here in America.  In fact, we have seen other countries send missionaries here to America because they feel that America has lost her first love.  Revivals are usually a thing of the past with most churches unable to support them, low attendance, members not promoting, and decreased number of evangelists that are still in the field.  One denomination revealed they had close to 2,000 evangelists nationwide in their denomination 10 years ago but now have only about 50. 
2. Most denominations report that the numbers on mega churches have increased while the smaller churches are reporting lower.  Some denominations report numbers of churches in their state have not increased in over 50 years even though they are seeking new church plants.  A recent survey revealed that close to 3,300 people a day are leaving present day churches.
3. Are these people being hurt, or are they not getting what they had hoped from their church?  We need further research in this area to determine why they are leaving, why the  church is not important to them, and how can the church retain those who visit their church and minister.  And how to connect with them more effectively.   

Conclusion:  This statistic may seem current to recent statistics.  We will be working with many denominations to gather current information.

                       4,000 churches open while 7,000 churches close each year. 

1.  Again, this statistic is an older statistic.  We have discovered that most cities (of 8,000+) usually have about 100 churches or more in their city.  Most are ineffective in reaching their city and some were established from a wrong foundation.  Many new churches are started due to disagreements or division in one church (church splits or fragmented groups).  When this happens, this is really dysfunctional and a poor testimony to their community. 
2. Low attendance, poor finances, lack of having a full-time pastor, and the attraction from mega churches seem to be factors for many of our churches that close. 

Conclusion:  We are gathering information from various denominations to verify these figures.