In 1992 the median age of pastors was 44; today, that number is 54, and the number of pastors under 40 is 15%. There are more full-time pastors over the age of 65 than under the age of 40.
Another issue today is the number of pastors leaving the ministry. AP reported in a fall 2023 survey that 4 out of 10 pastors are seriously considering leaving their congregation and more than 50% have considered leaving the ministry since the pandemic.
Pastors Feel Unprepared and Aren't Equipping the Next Generation
- 38% of pastors believe their gifts align with their primary task.
- 18% of pastors seriously prioritize the Next Generation.
- 75% of Bivocational Pastors have doubted their calling.
Younger Pastors
(44 and Younger)
- 45% Very Satisfied as Pastors
- 43% Excited About the Future of their Church
- 28% Were Energized by Ministry Work
- 48% Considered a Change of Ministry
*Barna Group, State of Pastors Vol. 2 2024
Here is a snapshot of pastors in Alabama:
About 60% of churches in Alabama have a bivocational pastor and the average age of pastors is 51.
520 (17% of all churches in Alabama) churches in Alabama are without a pastor.
480 of those without a pastor have less than 100 in attendance.
Why does this crisis exist?
1. Over the past two decades, churches have spent more time surviving than equipping.
2. We have stopped calling out the called in our churches.
3. There is a lack of mentoring/disciple-making relationships.
4. Pastors have been occupied with member care/post-pandemic ministry reconstruction/filling staff vacancies to the neglect of finding their Timothy.
5. More and more young people who experience a call are choosing a route other than traditional pastoral ministry (parachurch, church plants, etc.).
Overarching Strategic Goal: To increase the number of vocational and bi-vocational ministers state-wide by assisting biblically qualified people in recognizing, responding, and preparing to accept their call to ministry.
What can we do?
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38.
Join us in praying for the Called and those yet to respond to their calling. We have a page dedicated to equipping you and your church to prayer. Also, consider a Sunday emphasis on those called in your church and celebrating those living out that calling in a significant way.
“I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’ Isaiah 6:8.
Join us in developing and cultivating an ecclesial culture of discipling people toward their calling. We want to give you resources and events that you can use to accomplish this task.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Consider creating opportunities within your own church to prepare those who are called or use some suggested training tools or partnerships to help mentor those who are called. Celebrate those called through a Sunday emphasis and publicly emphasizing licensing, ordinations, commissionings, etc.
“For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.” Titus 1:5
Point your called to opportunities to additional training or service opportunities.
