ZigOn Preachers
The typical American believes that those men and women who fill the pulpits in the churches work a few hours on the weekend and probably spend some time visiting, preparing and counseling during the week. In short, they have it pretty easy.
Reality gives us an entirely different picture. According to a study recently published in Leadership Journal, the average evangelical clergyman works 55 hours a week, including four evenings, and will also take an average of four phone calls at home every night. As a result, sometime during the month a typical pastor will feel both physical and emotional stress, and 42% of their spouses will complain about the schedule at least once a month.
Most pastors work excessive hours voluntarily. It's not demanded by their boards or the congregations. They spend about 14 hours each week planning and attending meetings and services, 13 hours teaching and preparing sermons, nine hours in pastoral care and counseling, six hours in prayer and personal devotions, and 13 hours in other tasks which include long-range planning and evangelism. That leaves them precious little time for rejuvenation and recreation or time with the family and taking care of their own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
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The results speak for themselves. The dropout rate is high. The number who suffer from fatigue, depression and other problems is higher than average in the population.
What's the message? Remember. . . you've got to have energy to give it; you've got to have strength to share it. You've got to have the right spirit to convey it to others. This is not a selfish approach. It's a wise approach and it will give you, God and your family a better, more effective servant.
