By Aaron Earls - Posted at MinistryWatch:
Published September 17, 2025
Analysis comparing studies of current and former Protestant pastors reveals factors that predict the likelihood of quitting ministry.
Few pastors step away from the pulpit, but what compels those who quit?Lifeway Research found 1.1 percent of all U.S. Protestant pastors leave pastoral ministry before retirement age each year.
Analysis comparing Lifeway Research’s studies of current and former Protestant pastors reveals factors that predict the likelihood of leaving pastoral ministry.
“Experts can theorize what keeps pastors in the pulpit, but only a comparison of pastors who have stayed to those who have left can point to what matters,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “This rare opportunity to see what helps and what diminishes a pastor’s likelihood of staying in pastoral ministry points to practical areas that pastors and their congregations can invest in for longevity.”
Both current and former pastors were asked their level of agreement with certain statements – strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, somewhat agree and strongly agree. For several statements, their level of agreement corresponded to a pastor’s likelihood of still being in the ministry. The changes in likelihood are based on one step up in the level of agreement. All changes in likelihood described assume all other significant factors remain fixed.
Pastors who prioritize their families and bring them into ministry are more likely to find ministry longevity. Pastors who more strongly agree they put their family first when time conflicts arise are 1.7 times more likely to still be in pastoral ministry.