Pastors Older: Several Protestant denominations report that their corps of pastors is not just decreasing but aging, with less than 10% age 35 or younger, compared with rates as high as 24% a generation ago. More than 30% of pastors in several denominations are above 55, higher than a generation ago, according to an Alban Institute report. Church leaders fear older pastors, while experienced, will have more problems relating to people under 35 — half of the nation’s population. The problems with an aging corps of pastors also run to the more pragmatic. They offer fewer years of service, and health insurance costs more. (USA Today 4/21/04)
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