Why Your Pastor Left

Data, research, and stories about American pastoral decline.

Moments after our pastor exited the building that afternoon in 2008, most of the congregation sat in shock. A tiny—but powerful minority wore victorious smiles, at the ministers ousting. The lady to my left wept. Her question kept me awake all night. “Why did our pastor have to leave?” I wanted answers, and began researching the problems ministers face; this book is filled with those discoveries.

Nine of ten ministers know three or more peers who've been forced out of pastoral positions; a third of all pastors serve congregations who either fired the previous minister or actively forced their resignation; and at any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit.

American church decline has reached epidemic proportions and in the last century, church influence has waned nearly 60%. Pastoral attrition is either an indicator of that problem or a central part of it. Why Your Pastor Left presents detailed statistics and identifies the top ten “Ministry Killers” that cause pastoral stress and eventual “burnout."

"Why Your Pastor Left isn't as much a descriptive narrative as it is a prophetic foretelling. Put simply, churches NEED the principles in this book in order to help the pastor grow, which in turn helps the church. Deacons, elders, *Board Members*, read this before you ever take office." "Excellent. Every pastor and church leader needs to read this book." "Excellent book---I got it at a critical time in my ministry! I'm still there and my problem isn't! [This book] should be required reading for every Pastor and theological student!" "The message of this book is one of empowerment and encouragement... the author makes great use of a wide variety of perspectives and sources. I can see this book making a huge impact on church leadership in particular; for example, Board members, deacons, and associate pastors." "I think it would be nearly impossible to read this book and not have a changed heart toward the functioning of our church bodies. "