New Study Reveals Why Pastors Leave Ministry

A new study by Lifeway Research reveals that approximately one-third of pastors who step away from ministry do so due to burnout or conflict within their church. Drawing on data from former pastors across four Protestant denominations, the research shows that 18% left because of church conflict, while 16% cited burnout as their main reason for leaving.

However, the most common reason for stepping down was a shift in personal calling, with 40% of respondents saying they felt led in a different direction. Notably, more than half—53%—of those who left pastoral roles remain active in ministry, serving in alternative roles.