The Aging Ministry

[rlvaughn]

American pastors are older, and getting older, than ever

n partnership with Pepperdine University, Barna conducted a major study into how today’s faith leaders are navigating life and leadership in an age of complexity. The State of Pastors study—revealed at a Pepperdine event earlier this year—examined the shifting demographic of faith leaders, and the cultural forces responsible for the dramatic changes.

The Aging of America’s Pastors

 

[Dr. Bob]

This is WELL WORTH READING and a fact we "wink at" (or at my age nearing 70, "squint at") that is greatly impacting the church.

25 years ago 33% of pastors were under 40 and 6% over 65.
Today only 15% of pastors are under 40 and 17% over 65.

 

[rlvaughn]

True. As an aging minister, I certainly have nothing against aging ministers -- but we certainly need young ministers to fill the ranks. We have trouble finding them here, and more especially those we perceive as conservative Bible believers.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Love (and weep) reading Dr Woodrow Kroll's (Back to the Bible) book on this phenomena

The Vanishing Ministry in the 21st Century

 

[Jerome]

Is it the Baby Boom that skewed the numbers?

 

[Dr. Bob]

Partly - lots of us (boomers) around and MOST have no $$ or retirement, so are staying in the ministry far past prime. I'm nearly 70 as an example.

But think of percentages just as 100 local churches. Only 15 have pastors under 40. What will happen in ten years when my generations HAS to retire or promoted to heaven? 17 have pastors PAST retirement.

 

[rlvaughn]

...so are staying in the ministry far past prime. I'm nearly 70 as an example.

I used to think a pastor/preacher was in his prime from 40 to 60. This year I'm revising that -- from 50 to 70.

 

[Dr. Bob]

You are too kind. Include me for a couple more months.

I simply do not have the drive/energy and physical stamina to do NOW what I did from 25-45 years old. It is the "new normal" for me. But cannot, yet, think of "retirement".

 

[Salty]

When I was a teen - a man of a sister GARBC church retired from the post office at age 60 and then enrolled at Baptist Bible Seminary ( now Summit University) was ordained at age 65.- Then became pastor of a church.

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

Well, that ain't good for us young folks...