Pastor burnout isn't just a personal problem — it's an institutional crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of churches across America. The data from Barna Group, LifeWay Research, Hartford Institute, and Pastoral Care Inc. tells a story that every church leader needs to hear.
The Headline Numbers
- 38% of pastors have seriously considered leaving full-time ministry (Barna Group, 2022)
- 57% of pastors say they don't have good personal boundaries (Barna Group)
- 70% of pastors report having no close personal friend (Pastoral Care Inc.)
- 53% of pastors report significant stress that affects their health (Duke Clergy Health Initiative)
- 84% of pastors feel they are "on call" 24 hours a day (LifeWay Research)
The Sermon Prep Factor
Sermon preparation is the single largest weekly time commitment for most pastors. LifeWay Research found that pastors spend an average of 15-20 hours per week preparing sermons. For bivocational pastors — who also hold a second job — this time is squeezed into evenings and early mornings, often at the expense of sleep and family.
"The sermon is the one task that never goes away. Every seven days, ready or not, Sunday arrives." — Eugene Peterson
Post-Pandemic Acceleration
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated pastoral burnout. Barna's 2022 study showed that the number of pastors considering quitting nearly doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels. Added responsibilities — livestreaming, navigating political divisions, managing congregational conflict — piled onto already-full schedules.
Who Burns Out Most?
- Solo pastors at churches under 100 members (no staff support, wear every hat)
- Bivocational pastors (dual workload with no proportional reduction in ministry expectations)
- Young pastors in their first 5 years (unrealistic expectations, student debt, low pay)
- Pastors in rapidly growing churches (can't hire fast enough to match demand)
- Pastors navigating church conflict or leadership transitions
The Financial Reality
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for clergy in the US is approximately $57,230. When you factor in the 50-60 hour work weeks that many pastors report, the effective hourly rate drops significantly. Financial stress compounds burnout — especially when pastors feel they can't afford to take time off or seek professional counseling.
What Churches Can Do
- Budget for pastoral sabbaticals (1 month every 7 years minimum)
- Provide a counseling stipend (at least $1,500/year for professional pastoral care)
- Set realistic expectations for weekly hours and availability
- Invest in tools that reduce administrative and preparation burden
- Create a culture where pastors can say "I need help" without shame
One practical step: tools like SermonForge can reduce sermon prep from 15-20 hours to 3-5 hours per week. That's 10+ hours returned to the pastor — for rest, family, pastoral care, or simply breathing room.
Moving Forward with Hope
The statistics are sobering, but they don't have to be the final word. Every church that takes pastoral wellness seriously — through sabbaticals, counseling support, realistic expectations, and practical tools — is investing in the long-term health of both their pastor and their congregation. The best time to address burnout is before it becomes a crisis.