Good Faith

The Secret Life of Pastors (with Dr. Mark Turman)

Jun 8, 2024

50:00

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Dr. Mark Turman, Executive Director of Denison Forum, joins host Curtis Chang to reveal the hidden struggles pastors face in their roles. They delve into the emotional toll of declining church attendance and the loneliness many pastors experience, illustrated by Barna Group research. Mark discusses the pivot toward a missionary mindset, promoting community engagement. The duo also reflects on the transformation from traditional ministry to innovative, bivocational paths, highlighting the importance of transparency and ongoing support for spiritual leaders.

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Quick takeaways

Pastors are increasingly facing feelings of isolation and discouragement, necessitating supportive relationships to foster mental well-being and resilience.

Shifting towards a missional mindset encourages pastors to engage with their communities, thereby enhancing ministry fulfillment and creating healthier church environments.

Deep dives

Declining Job Satisfaction Among Pastors

The well-being of pastors has seen a significant decline over the years, with over half expressing dissatisfaction by 2022. Various factors contribute to this trend, including political strife and the impacts of the global pandemic. Many pastors feel an overwhelming sense of failure in their roles, leading to a connection between their mental health and the health of their churches. This situation underscores the need for a broader examination of how these feelings of failure are perceived and managed within church communities.

Intro

3min

Navigating Pastoral Challenges

22min

Navigating the Hidden Struggles of Pastoral Life

4min

Navigating Pastoral Transitions

4min

Embracing a Missionary Mindset

16min

Rethinking Ministry: Embracing Innovation and Community Feedback

3min

Host Curtis Chang invites Dr. Mark Turman, Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries, to join him in examining the unique challenges faced by pastors in the American evangelical tradition. Both former pastors themselves, Curtis and Mark unpack the actual and perceived struggles that have made so many pastors contemplate leaving their roles. They also champion a missional mindset that can change the way pastors do gospel work and practical advice for congregants who want to support their spiritual leaders.

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Check out Dr. Turman's Denison Forum work

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis & Michael Graham

Barna Group Research: 7-Year Trends - Pastors Feel More Loneliness & Less Support

Barna Group Research: Pastors’ Credibility Is in Question—Even Among Pastors