“How many people were there?” This is a question being asked in thousands of churches this week. Holy Week and Easter meant as many as four major events in four days for many church leaders. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil services, and then Easter morning, with some having both sunrise and traditional morning services. I hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful Holy Week and Easter celebration!
In the 25 years I served as a pastor, I remember how church staffs would often look this week at the “numbers” from the last week of services. How many people attended this year? After the years of Covid, where people’s in-person attendance habits changed, are we seeing a return to “pre-pandemic” times in our services?
In this month’s newsletter, I want to look at some other numbers.
60, 19, 73, 54, 75, 65
Lottery numbers? I wouldn’t try them if I were you!
No, they are both numbers that reflect the need of providing care for pastors and other non-profit leaders in this time, and some numbers of gratitude from me!
The first four numbers come from a webinar I attended several weeks ago called, “The State of Pastors,” by the Barna Research Group. First, 60%–refers to the percentage of pastors reporting that they are doubting their sense of calling to being a pastor. The last few years of leadership have caused many to wonder about their sense of vocation. 19% refers to pastors who now see a mentor or other support person (including counselors, therapists, spiritual directors) several times a month…this is down from 37% in 2015. 73% of pastors report being emotionally and spiritually exhausted “frequently” or “sometimes,” while 54% report feeling lonely and isolated. Clearly, there is a great need for leaders to have someone to safely share their struggles and to come alongside the loneliness in leadership.
The last two numbers are “my numbers!” 75 is the number of people that are currently supporting me financially in this new season of helping leaders become whole. I am so grateful for the individuals and families that have said “Yes” to helping me offer coaching and care for free to these leaders through Standing Stone. And 65% is now where I am in monthly support! Thanks to many of you and your generosity, I am well over halfway towards my goal to provide for me and my family. I am looking forward to reaching the “full-funding mark”, when I can devote all my time and energy to meeting with and caring for leaders.
I was in Upland California for two days of meeting and resourcing for 50 of us doing this work, and had the opportunity to meet the founders!
I am now serving with a ministry called Standing Stone, which has aimed for twenty years to provide a space for free, confidential coaching and care for pastors, ministry leaders, and leaders of every sphere. Standing Stone believes that healthy leaders need companions on their leadership journey, and that healthy leaders will lead healthy organizations that help transform their communities. You can learn more here: https://standingstoneministry.org/shepherd/burke-david/
david j burke 