New Wespath data just came out revealing several very concerning trends in the mental, spiritual, and physical health of United Methodist Clergy. We go through some of the study while also looking at other social data and how it is that what we believe correlates with our health. In this one we come up against a number of things that cause most folks to take offense. This is a harsh critique of our culture as a whole, not just The United Methodist Church, and a warning about what the American church as a whole will experience if it does not quickly remember scriptural language around the purity of the church and the call to righteousness. Enjoy!

Links:

Religion News Service Article “United Methodist pastors feel worse and worry more than a decade ago” - https://religionnews.com/2023/08/10/united-methodist-pastors-feel-worse-and-worry-more-than-a-decade-ago/

The Wespath Study “2023 Clergy Well-Being Survey Highlights” - https://www.wespath.org/assets/1/7/5991.pdf

Institute for Family Studies Article - “Why Are Liberals Less Happy Than Conservatives?” - https://ifstudies.org/blog/why-are-liberals-less-happy-than-conservatives

DeseretNews Article - “Religious leaders struggle with burnout, depression and anxiety — just like the rest of America” - https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/5/11/23058739/religious-leaders-struggle-with-burnout-depression-and-anxiety-pastor-mental-health-worker-shortage

Barca Article - “Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year” - https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-quitting-ministry/

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