Intro

In this episode, Sam and Ryan Burge discuss how pastors become pastors. Using data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders, the cohosts reveal that clergy often come to ministry through winding, unconventional paths—many after careers in other fields. Far from being single-focused, pastors frequently juggle multiple responsibilities: leading congregations, working as chaplains, and even holding non-ministry jobs. The numbers reveal both the beauty and burden of this calling: most clergy work 50+ hours a week, with a quarter clocking over 60. Yet despite financial pressures and demanding schedules, these leaders remain deeply committed to serving their communities and churches.

1. 1. Unconventional Paths to Ministry: Two-thirds of clergy had another career before entering ministry, highlighting that few go directly from Bible college or seminary into full-time leadership.
   2. Rising Through the Ranks: About a quarter of clergy were already on staff at their congregation before becoming the senior leader, and one in five began as lay members before stepping into paid roles.
   3. Bi-Vocational Realities: Nearly one-third of clergy hold outside jobs, often out of financial necessity. Others serve multiple congregations or work as chaplains in hospitals, schools, prisons, or nursing homes.
   4. The Income Factor: Clergy earning under $50,000 per year are much more likely to seek outside work, but once they cross that threshold, side jobs drop dramatically as full-time ministry with benefits becomes possible.
   5. The Heavy Workload: On average, clergy work 47–50 hours a week across all roles, and a significant share—about 25%—report working 60 hours or more.

Resources:

• Rooted

• Upward Sports

• “The Many Jobs of a Religious Leader” by Ryan Burge

• Ryan Burge

• Church Answers Platinum Membership

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

• The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is…
  • A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose
  • A sustainable way to launch groups
  • An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship
  • An opportunity to change the culture of your church
• Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample.

Start Preparing Now for 2026! Sports that Bring People Together.

• Start preparing now for 2026 with sports that bring people together! As you look ahead to what’s next in your ministry, consider creating an outreach strategy that offers a warm invitation to the whole family—using sports as that natural and powerful invite. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even running for adults, Upward Sports is ready to equip your church to reach families right in the heart of your community. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to make an impact.
• Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The post The Burge Report: How Do Pastors Actually End Up in Ministry? appeared first on Church Answers.