There is more than enough bad news about clergy. ranging from stories about the stress of leading a parish through a pandemic to concerns about clergy health and wellbeing to accounts of clergy misconduct. In recent days, I’ve seen content on social media again and again about how many clergy are choosing to exit ministry all together.
In contrast, there is good news. According to a recently published Washington Post article by Andrew Van Dam, clergy are more fulfilled in their work than anyone else (or at least more than the 100 occupations for which they considered comparative data). You’ll want to read the article to gain a deeper appreciation for how he arrives at this conclusion and for some hypothesizing about why this may be (including anecdotal wisdom from the lived experience of a United Church of Christ pastor).
Is Your Work Fulfilling?
Think for a few minutes about your primary current professional pursuit. For each of the following statements answer strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree, or strongly disagree.
- I am proud to be working for my employer.
- My main satisfaction in life comes from work.
- My workplace contributes to the community.
- I contribute to the community through my work.
Note: Questions are from Civic Engagement and Volunteering Supplement, part of the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey.
So What?
I’m thankful for the professional (pastoral) opportunities I have to serve my community and to make a difference. I am very fulfilled by my roles as CEO of White Rock Center of Hope and as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church.
