Sermon Illustrations

Pastor Crisis: Only 1/3 of seminary students say they want to pastor a church. That trend is magnified by the fact that just 8% of clergy are now 35 or younger. Many are nearing retirement age, and many others are departing for other careers. Eldon Fry, Focus on the Family’s Pastoral Ministries Department, has been tracking the trend, which he said is readily apparent. "The numbers that are leaving far exceed the numbers in our seminaries and Bible colleges, so it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that we’re dealing with a shortage." He regularly gets calls from denominational leaders who perceive a major problem dead ahead. "For instance, one region said that 80% of their pastors were within 3-years of retirement, and had absolutely no idea of how they were going to replace them," Fry said. Experts suggest that churches actively mentor people with ministry skills and help them make it into Bible college or seminary. (Pastors Weekly Briefing 8/3/01)

http://www.garydfoster.com

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • Leaving An Impression

    Contributed by Lloyd Grubbs on Sep 10, 2008
    based on 9 ratings
     | 29,143 views

    Every Christian is leaving their mark on society. Even after were gone our lives will still be making an impact.

  • A Spiritual House - The Building And Purpose

    Contributed by Duane Smith on Oct 27, 2008
    based on 4 ratings
     | 25,636 views

    The goal of this message is to help us understand that God dwells in us and that He has a purpose in the church being a living, vibrant community of believers.

  • Temple Without Walls Series

    Contributed by Peter Loughman on Jul 28, 2009
    based on 12 ratings
     | 21,029 views

    The holy place of Jesus Christ resides not in any building, cathedral, or historical site, the holy place of Jesus Christ resides in your heart.

  • The Church Series

    Contributed by Timothy Gardner on Nov 27, 2012
    based on 3 ratings
     | 18,180 views

    The word "Church" is so often used out of context. This sermon series helps the church (the people) identify how God defines church buy using seven different analogies found in the Bible. This is the introduction sermon to the series. There are eight serm

  • He's Coming Back Series

    Contributed by Connail Johnson on Oct 23, 2012
    based on 1 rating
     | 16,577 views

    Some of the most exciting periods of our lives are the times of anticipation. The times when we can't think of anything but what we are expecting to occur. When we are living with an attitude of expectancy our steps begin to quicken & our eyes brighten as