The News
Lifeway Research's 2025 study surveyed more than 1,500 evangelical pastors and found that only 1.2% leave full-time ministry annually—far lower than headlines about pastor burnout might suggest. Despite widespread reports of exhaustion and stress, the vast majority of pastors remain in their positions year after year, indicating deeper commitment to their calling than media coverage typically reflects.
Why It Matters
If you're feeling burned out, know you're not alone—and you're also not alone in staying. This data suggests that pastor turnover isn't the crisis some feared post-pandemic, but it also reveals an uncomfortable truth: many exhausted pastors are simply enduring rather than thriving. As a leader, this should prompt honest conversations about sustainable ministry practices, reasonable expectations, and whether your church culture supports pastoral wellness. Your own perseverance matters, but so does your wellbeing.
The Takeaway
Schedule a personal assessment of your workload and boundaries this week, and have a frank conversation with your board about sustainable expectations for your role.