April 10, 2025

Young Pastors Are Rare (Here Is What Happened)

32 minutes

The typical age of a pastor is around 60 years old. Young pastors are becoming increasingly rare. What happened? Josh and Sam discuss some demographic realities with the aging pastorate.

Part of the issue is the general aging of the United States, but it is not the whole story. The median age of someone in the U.S. is 39, while the typical pastor is around 60.

Education expectations are high (and it’s more expensive) while salaries have not kept pace with inflation.

The rise of the “Nones” has an impact, especially among younger generations.

Many seminaries stopped training for the pastorate and focused more on those who wanted to be professors and teachers.

Parachurch ministries are often more attractive for those who want to be in ministry but not go through the drama of serving a church.

Pastors’ kids often experience the underbelly of the church first-hand and do not want to follow their parents’ ministry careers.

Resources:

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Churchteams

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Church Answers Central

The Hope Initiative

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The post Young Pastors Are Rare (Here Is What Happened) appeared first on Church Answers.

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By Thom Rainer

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