Post-Pandemic Burnout Grips US Clergy, Survey Reveals

Over half of surveyed ministers considered leaving ministry, reflecting 'collective trauma' experienced since 2020.

More than 4 in 10 Christian clergy in the U.S. have seriously considered leaving their congregations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over half of the clergy surveyed had thought seriously about leaving the ministry altogether during this period.
Approximately 10% of clergy reported frequently having thoughts of abandoning their roles.
The high rates of ministers considering quitting reflects the 'collective trauma' that both clergy and congregants have experienced since 2020.
Mainline Protestant clergy were the most likely to think of quitting, followed by evangelical Protestants, while Catholic and Orthodox priests were the least likely to consider leaving.