Welcome to The Pastor’s Project!  Welcome to the next ministry to make a difference in the lives of our pastors and rural churches.

A year and a half ago the Lord laid on my heart a new ministry.  It was a ministry that didn’t even exist at the time.  But now it does and the mission of The Pastor’s Project is to “Encourage pastors and save rural churches.”

As I researched and collected data the following alarming statistics came to light.

80% of Bible College graduates who enter the ministry will leave the profession within 3-5 years.

71% of all pastors report not having a close friend or confidant.

50% of all pastors say they would quit today but they have no other means to make an income.

80% of pastors believe the pastoral ministry has affected their families in a negative manner.

For every 20 men who go in the ministry, only ONE retires from the ministry.

In my next post, I’ll share the “Top Ten Reasons for Ministers Leaving the Profession.”

Learning this information was the motivation behind The Pastor’s Project.  There is a huge need of pastors out in the pulpit across our country.  For many, the isolation and lack of support are too much to bear not to mention low pay, no health insurance, or retirement plan.

As the late Paul Benjamin wrote, “The word ‘survival’ looms glaringly with the fallout of preachers leaving the ministry.  Many preachers today are simply not making it in a traditional kind of church setting.  The gap between the seminary and the parsonage is too wide for ministers to bridge.  Even if he crosses it, his wife and family often become causalities.”

I am excited about the future of The Pastor’s Project.  You can read all about the ‘project’ at www.pastorsproject.com  There are currently dozens of believers in nine different states volunteering in several ways.  Bible Colleges have gotten onboard offering various supportive measures.  Churches are sponsoring Pastor’s Project presentations to get the word out.

I would encourage you to take a few minutes and read over the website and become familiar with the programs being offered.  One of the most exciting aspects of the ‘project’ is the growth and interest in The Rural Church Initiative.  Please read over that page on the website.

There is much to share and I look forward to doing just that.  The needs of our pastors and rural churches are critical to the future of our movement.  If you have a question or would like to schedule an event at your church please email me at RDCreek@cox.net

In Christ,

Richard