WHY? | drawbridgeministry

Why The Drawbridge?

There is a crisis in the church of America today – it is happening right now and most people are unaware of it.

Recent statistics confirmed by the research arm of Pastoral Care Inc., a national ministry support organization, reveal troubling realities:

“53% of pastors report that the seminary did not prepare them for the ministry”
“80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families”
“75% of pastors report significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry”
“80% of pastors expect conflict within their church”
“57% of pastors feel fulfilled but yet discouraged, stressed, and fatigued”
“57% of pastors believe they do not receive a livable wage”
“57% of pastors being unable to pay their bills”
“78% of pastors report having their vacation and personal time interrupted with ministry duties or expectations”
“65% of pastors feel they have not taken enough vacation time with their family over the last 5 years”[1]

[1] “Newly Revised Statistics – Statistics in the Ministry.” Statistics for Pastors, Pastoral Care Inc. 2017. www.pastoralcareinc.com/statistics/.

As alarming as this information is, there are few resources available to pastors and their wives to hold back this tide of fallout in the ministry and in the church of America today.

Pastors are continually pouring into the lives of others through preaching, pastoral care, leading, and counseling. They need time for spiritual rest, time for planning, time to enjoy their marriages, time to enjoy God, time to recharge. These leaders are generally not paid grand salaries and in many cases cannot afford to pay for retreat accommodations.

Retreat Benefits

Relationships at home are, many times, dealt with in a more positive and hopeful manner due to the chance to rest and find renewal in God.
Revived and rested teachers and leaders are better prepared to encourage and minister to others.
Congregations that encourage their leaders to take time for pastoral renewal will realize the benefits.

So, how costly is it if there are not ministries to care for our pastors? The statistics are clear, and The Drawbridge Ministry is here to help address some of these needs.