The Burge Report: How Do Pastors Actually End Up in Ministry?

Nov 24, 2025

Ryan Burge, a political scientist and researcher, delves into the winding journeys many pastors take before entering ministry. Using data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders, he reveals that two-thirds had previous careers and a significant number balance multiple roles, often working over 50 hours weekly. The insights on bi-vocational challenges, financial pressures, and the beauty of their calling highlight the complexities of pastoral life. It's a captivating discussion about commitment, calling, and the diverse paths to church leadership.

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INSIGHT

Pastors Work Many Overlapping Jobs

Pastors commonly work far more than a single congregational schedule shows, averaging about 47–50 hours across roles.
Multiple congregations, chaplaincy, and side jobs push typical pastors well past a 40-hour workweek.

INSIGHT

Most Pastors Come From Other Careers

Two-thirds of clergy held another career before entering ministry rather than going straight from seminary.
Becoming a pastor often happens later in adult life via diverse, non-linear career paths.

ADVICE

It's Okay To Enter Or Exit Ministry

If you're considering a late call to ministry, don't be deterred — many pastors start in midlife.
Likewise, it's acceptable to leave ministry when the season ends for you.

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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. 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:

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Upward Sports

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

Ryan Burge

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