Top 10 Reasons Why Ministers Quit: #10

Here is the 10th reason why ministers throw in the towel:

Overload and Burnout

It is very common for a preacher to combine several roles and functions besides preaching, teaching, counseling, weddings and funerals. He may also be the secretary, musician, technician, groundskeeper or janitor. Unlike the typical church leader or member, the preacher has to attend most meetings of the church, besides the two or more weekly church services.

Besides his own expected 100% attendance record, he must put up with the fluctuating attendance of not just regular members but people in leadership, like his deacons, directors, and associate ministers who are quick to skip Bible study, midweek service, or Sunday evening service for better things for their precious time.

Often the preacher will seek the support of his congregation in starting a new ministry or activity to make the church better, only to be left hanging out there all by himself, spinning his wheels to get the new activity going.

Remember, the pastor also has a family to minister to; a conflict with his spouse or problems at home can take things to the edge: there is nothing like toting a church and family on one man’s shoulders.

On top of all this, no one ever cares to show interest in the preacher taking a vacation; often he has no vacation days built into his package.

For some church members, if the preacher preaches at another church twice in one month, he is neglecting his responsibility. They don’t seem to understand his need to get away for a while, though the members themselves are usually going on vacations to see family, friends and places.

Soon the accumulated weight of the load overwhelms the preacher, his engine overheats, and he simply burns out, either moving to another church to begin this cycle all over again. Of course, he may just choose to leave the ministry altogether.

Yes, preachers do quit, too. In fact, more often than you want to know.