Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving their congregation with the gospel. For the Christian, the decision to enter full-time ministry may seem like the ideal – after all, what work could be more fulfilling than being on board with God’s mission in the local church or Christian organisation?
While Christian workers are given opportunities to engage with work of precious value, results from the 2023 Oxygen Christian Workers Survey have revealed alarming levels of loneliness, burnout and mental health issues.
315 respondents filled out the survey, with workers represented across 14 denominations and 15 roles including Administrators, Assistant and Senior Pastors, Chaplains, Children’s Ministers, MTS, Missionaries, Schools Ministry, Women’s and Youth Ministers.
Job Satisfaction
The results showed that job satisfaction is higher for people who work in non-profit Christian organisations, compared to those who work in churches.
Compared to people in non-profits, church workers are:
- Less likely to be part of a healthy team – 69 per cent compared with 83 per cent.
- More likely to be looking for a role outside of ministry – 6 per cent compared with 2 per cent.
In comparing non-profits with church work, a pastor’s wife highlights the challenges that pastors face working with ‘unqualified volunteers’ who may not share the same vision and mission of the church:
“Being in parachurch organisations has been a healing balm for me as I have watched my husband struggle as a pastor. The difference is that I work with paid qualified staff who all have a common vision and passion for the mission. While my husband works with often unqualified volunteers, who have an emotional investment in what they want for their family and local place of worship, so sometimes gospel vision is lost.”
Thirteen per cent of total respondents reported they would like a role outside ministry if one became available. The percentage was highest at 18 per cent among those aged 25-34, and highest among church administrators – 38 per cent compared with an average of only 5 per cent.
The people to feel least supported in their role are between the ages of 65-67. These people are also the least likely to consider they are part of a healthy team; however, they are also the most likely to spend time with the Lord and consider that their love for the Lord is increasing.
Loneliness
The results showed that loneliness is higher for people who work in churches compared to those in non-profits.
Compared to people in non-profits, church workers are:
- Less likely to have a close friend – 71 per cent of those in church reported having a close friend compared with 85 per cent of those in non-profit organisations.
- More likely to feel lonely – 25 per cent compared with 15 per cent.
Of the 15 job roles represented, Assistant Pastors and Ministers are:
- The least likely to have a close friend – 65 per cent reported having a close friend compared with an average of 76 per cent for all persons.
- Most likely to feel lonely – 30 per cent compared with an average of 21 per cent.
Missionaries are the most likely to have a close friend – 93 per cent compared with an average of 76 per cent.
Compared with women, men are more likely to struggle with loneliness, with men less likely to have a close friend (73 per cent compared with 84 per cent), and less likely to feel supported (65 per cent compared with 75 per cent).
Loneliness is highest in regional areas with 27 per cent saying they often felt lonely, compared with 21 per cent in capital cities and 14 per cent in other major cities.
Of the 14 denominations represented, Anglicans are the most likely to feel lonely – 26 per cent reported that they felt lonely compared with an average of 21 per cent for all persons.
In speaking of loneliness and lack of support, one Anglican Minister serving in a rural area says:
“Having now worked in 3 different states, the ability to support each other or get support from others does sadly depend on your location. I have found I need to constantly push myself to make sure I am seeking encouragement and support from friends and those in ministry otherwise you can easily slip into that feeling of being alone in ministry.”
This is echoed by another Anglican Minister, serving in the same context:
“I have no close friends in my local area and have to drive over 50kms just to see a colleague.”
Mental Health & Wellbeing
A concerningly high percentage of people – 29 per cent, or 3 in every 10 people – reported that they were, or suspected they might be, experiencing mental health issues. The percentages were even higher in the younger and oldest age groups. Around 40 per cent of people in each of the age groups 18-24, 25-34 and 65-74 reported that they were or might be experiencing mental health issues.
Of the 15 job roles represented, Children’s ministers, youth ministers and those in school ministry all reported high rates of experiencing mental health issues – 67 per cent, 44 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, compared with an average of 29 per cent.
Of the 14 denominations represented, Anglicans are the most likely to be experiencing or suspect they might be experiencing mental health issues – 33 per cent compared with an average of 29 per cent.
Compared to women, men are less likely to be experiencing or suspecting they might be experiencing a mental health issue – 25 per cent compared with 40 per cent.
In speaking of mental well-being, an Anglican Women’s Minister serving in a capital city says:
“I think about burnout and wonder if I am already there and what to do about it. It is hard to find the energy to invest in people but my love for the Lord and his people continues. I often wonder if I am the right person for my job, which is not a question I had 5 years ago.”
In terms of rest, men were more likely to have a day of rest compared to women – 74 per cent compared with 61 per cent. Of the 14 denominations represented, Presbyterians are the most likely to have a regular day of rest – 77 per cent compared with an average of 71 per cent.
Impacts of COVID
The results of the survey also highlighted the impact that COVID had on churches and the mental health of church workers, the pandemic bringing to the surface many issues that were already pre-existing.
One Senior Pastor serving in a regional area said:
“COVID intensified a pre-existing tiredness coming from 20 years in paid ministry. In 2021 I felt the lowest I have ever been and have not fully recovered.”
Another Senior Pastor serving in a capital city said:
“COVID has made things harder, but I feel they have brought to light what already existed—ministry worker’s expectations of themselves (as well as their congregation’s expectations) are unreasonable, way too broad, way too executive, and way less missional, than what they should be.”
Still others highlighted new discouragements brought on by COVID. One Anglican Youth minister serving in a regional area shares the ‘alarming trajectory’ that he now sees in the youth he serves:
“I have found since COVID an overwhelming sense of apathy from the youth and young adults whom I serve and seek to disciple well. It’s as if the years spent in isolation sapped their zeal for the gospel and have replaced it with complacency in life, service and relationships. It is an alarming trajectory that I as a 24-year-old in ministry can notice a trend away from sacrificial service and towards personal comfort.”
To download the ‘2023 Oxygen Christian Workers Survey’ results as a digital report, please email us.
Is it time for you to Hit Pause?
Workers in Christian ministry have dedicated their lives to serving others for the gospel, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return?
Who pastors the pastor?
Who counsels the counsellor?
Who trains our teachers?
If you’re a Christian worker or leader, when was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart and wellbeing for ministry?
Christian workers have been called to do a vital work, but many of us find ourselves so busy in the work of the Lord, that we lose sight of the precious Lord we serve.
If Christian ministry has left you feeling discouraged, lonely and unsupported, then Oxygen is for you.
While ministry is valuable, we want to give you space and permission to hit pause—to step away and reconnect to what’s most important—so that your heart can be re-shaped and revived with a renewed passion for the work God has called you to do.
You’re not alone.
Hit pause with us at Oxygen: https://oxygenconference.com/
