A song from 1965 might be what pastors are singing in 2026.  At least to themselves. According to the latest research from the Barna Group, pastors are reporting less emotional strain than a decade ago.  That’s the good news.  However, they are reporting less satisfaction in their job.  Barna research showed that 72% of pastors were “very satisfied” with their role in 2015, but now, only 52% respond that same way.  

I recently had the opportunity to share some different findings among the pastors I serve as a chaplain.  I asked 63 pastors in our region a series of questions about their personal finances, sabbatical and rest, and the tensions they experience in their ministry context.  About half of the pastors responded anonymously to the survey.  Like the Barna research, there was good news and not-so-good news.

• Most pastors reported alignment with what their leadership expected of them, and what they found most meaningful in ministry.  
• Over 80% of the pastors surveyed reported being “very stable” or “somewhat stable” in their finances—though there were those among the group who were struggling.  
• Preaching, teaching, and discipleship were the aspects that most pastors found personally meaningful.
• Yet pastors felt tension between what they found meaningful and some of the expectations of the church.  Specifically in areas of being focused on the community versus an internal focus; and, on the vision and direction for the church.  Close behind those was the tension between completing administrative tasks and needing to do pastoral care. 

I’m certainly not going to explain the results of a much larger study (Barna) with a smaller one (mine).  But I am curious if the satisfaction level of pastors might be tied to one of the findings.  In a recent 60 minute presentation I got to give to my fellow pastors, I spoke about the number of “hats” pastors are expected to wear in any given day.  And, how their ideas of what ministry would be in their early years have changed drastically from what they found themselves doing now.   The constant switching from one “hat” to another can be exhausting, especially when the “hat” doesn’t fit well.  Every pastor and leader I meet with admits to feeling inadequate in certain areas of their role.  On top of that, the daily tension of what they hope to do in ministry versus what is being asked or expected of them—could these things be at the root of a lack of satisfaction? 

The lyrics of “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” do ring true. We try, and we try, and we try.  I get to walk alongside these leaders. At times, I am challenging what they mean by “satisfaction.” Other times. I am encouraging them to try something different in how they approach their leadership. And maybe, just maybe…they’ll start singing a different tune.

(If this song gets stuck in your head for a few days, you’re welcome!) 

Thank you for being a part of this work!

Image credit: Album Cover art can be obtained from London 45-LON 9766 (US and Canada) / Decca F12220., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1055277

I am serving with a ministry called Standing Stone, which has aimed for over 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/