Most pastors lack extensive secular work experience, survey finds

August 8, 2024

A recent survey from Lifeway Research shows that most Protestant clergy in the United States have worked 10 years or less in non-ministry occupations before becoming clergy.

The Christian Post reports that Lifeway published its report on Tuesday with the results of a survey of 1,004 Protestant pastors researching their life and work experience. That survey was conducted from August 29-Sept 23, 2023.

The data showed that 58% of respondents said they spent 10 years or fewer working in a “non-ministry job” before becoming pastors, including 34% who said they spent five years or fewer and 13% who spent less than a year.

According to the Christian Post, the survey also showed that 42% of respondents said that they had worked 10 years or more in a non-ministry job before entering the pastorate, including 7% who worked for 26 to 30 years and 8% who worked more than 30 years.

Scott McConnell is the Executive Director of Lifeway Research. He stated that the, “journey to the pastorate can happen at almost any age,” adding that most clergy “are in a ministry job by their early 30s.”

McConnell also said, “Years of work experience in non-ministry roles can help pastors relate to the experiences of those in their congregations and to develop relationships with people outside their churches.” 

The research by Lifeway came after other studies indicated high levels of dissatisfaction among members of the clergy in America.

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