When we think about why clergy might leave their positions, we often focus on the obvious challenges: long hours, modest pay, or theological disagreements. But new research I conducted, forthcoming in the Review of Religious Research, reveals a clear and perhaps surprising finding—the single most important factor in whether ministers stay or go isn’t about money or theology. It’s about feeling cared for by their congregation.
The study analyzed data from nearly 900 clergy across all major religious traditions in the United States who were interviewed in 2019 and 2020 as a part of the National Survey of Religious Leaders. While most ministers report high job satisfaction, those who struggle share something in common: they don’t feel their congregations truly care for them.
Pastors who feel cared for report greater job satisfaction,
less likelihood of wanting to leave for other religious work,
and are less likely to want to leave religious work as a whole.
Feeling cared for by one’s congregation emerged as the strongest predictor of both satisfaction and retention. If a minister feels cared for, they report greater job satisfaction, less likelihood of wanting to leave for other religious work, and are less likely to want to leave religious work as a whole.
What This Means for Your Congregation
The good news? Unlike factors such as salary or work hours—which the study found had little impact on satisfaction—congregational care is something every faith community can improve. Here are some questions to consider:
- How does your congregation show appreciation for your clergy beyond formal recognition?
- Do members know about the emotional demands of ministry work?
- What systems exist for clergy to receive support during difficult times?
Interestingly, the research also found that ministers experiencing dissatisfaction often consider moving to other religious positions rather than leaving ministry entirely. This suggests that many struggling clergy remain deeply committed to their calling—they just need a better fit.
Taking Action
Consider conducting a simple assessment in your congregation:
- Interview both clergy and lay leaders about how supported ministers feel. You can find tips for doing interviews here.
- Deploy a team of observers to identify specific ways members currently show care and appreciation.
- Brainstorm new practices that could strengthen these relationships.
The study also highlighted the importance of mental health support for clergy. Congregations might explore providing access to counseling services or creating peer support groups with neighboring faith communities.
In an era when many worry about clergy shortages, this research suggests that the solution might be simpler than we think: showing our ministers they matter to us, not just for what they do, but for who they are.
