The Most Frustrated Profession

By many estimates, the 1990s will be a time of continued confusion for clergy. Ministers are “the most frustrated profession in the nation,” according to management consultant Peter Drucker.… A study prepared by the Episcopal Foundation concluded that “many old and established patterns for ordained leaders in the church are no longer working.” Among clergy comments in the study:

• The status of clergy is lower.
• Clergy are no longer considered to be special people.
• I feel pulled apart. Am I a pastor or a businessman'

Many clergy, the report said, “are conceiving a role for themselves like chief executive officers of a multi-level organization, where skilled laity are middle managers.”

Russell Chadler, Racing Toward 2000: The Forces Shaping America’s Religious Future, Harper Collins, Zondervan, pp. 216, 217, Discoveries, Summer, 1992