by Mel and Kristi Walker
Mel Walker passed from this earthly life on Dec. 2, 2021. He was working on this article and an online seminar when he went Home to be with the Lord. His daughter, Kristi, finished his article. The concept, outline, and 11 observations about churches and career ministry are Mel’s.
America is facing a critical leadership shortage in the church. According to Barna research, the average age of Protestant clergy is 54 or older (“The Aging of America’s Pastors,” barna.com, March 1, 2017). Also according to Barna, in 2017, 38 percent of U.S. pastors had thought about quitting full-time ministry.
This is a big deal. In short, this means most American pastors are nearing retirement age and/or are considering trading in career ministry for jobs in the secular workplace.
6 Reasons Career Ministry Is Declining in America
Here are six reasons why pastors consider leaving the ministry and young men do not consider entering it.
- You have reached the end of this article preview. This article was published in the Spring 2022 Baptist Bulletin. Subscribe to the Baptist Bulletin or purchase a gift subscription. If you already subscribe to the print edition, sign up for free digital access.
Mel Walker was a youth ministry specialist, editor, and author who served for many years with Regular Baptist Press and Clarks Summit University. He was called home to Heaven on Dec. 2, 2021.
Kristi Walker, a missionary with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, works with CrossWay International Baptist Church to present Christ to the nations in Berlin. She also runs an intern program with the goal of recruiting and training the next generation of global workers.
