Some Said They Blundered

I saw a podcast on YouTube with this author. I finished his book within 24 hours. He has a unique perspective having been Mike Mickle's brother-in-law and friend from an early age. He gives such valuable insight into the initial forming of the IHOPKC. Worth the read, in my humble opinion.

Here is the podcast I watched: 

He helps people who are part of the trail of dead bodies that have resulted from spiritual abuse. He has some really great insights into how to heal (as he had to heal).

Here are eye-opening statistics from his book:

Ministry Burnout Statistics 

Warning, reality check: In their book, Finishing Well in Life and Ministry,  Bill Mills and Craig Parro share some startling ministry statistics. 

•   1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches. 

•   80% of pastors and 84% of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.

•   50% are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could but have no other way of making a living. 

•   70% said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons. 

•   Almost 40% polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry. 

•   80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years. 

•   90% of pastors said their seminary or Bible school training did only a “fair to poor” job preparing them for ministry. 

•   Pastors are 35% more likely to be terminated if they work less than 50 hours weekly. 

•   80% of pastors believe their ministry negatively affects their families. 

•   80% of pastors say they do not have sufficient time to spend with their spouse. 

•   55% of pastors receive support and accountability from a small group. 

•   45.5% of pastors have experienced burnout/depression and had to take a break from ministry. 

•   57% of pastors do not have a regularly scheduled and implemented exercise routine. 

So, what’s behind these grim numbers? A broken system and unrealistic expectations on both sides of the equation. Those who chose the ministry to gain significance and security wake up one day and realize they have neither. Those who look to church leaders to give them significance and security also find themselves disappointed as those two things can only come from a relationship with God.

Scott, Bob. Some Said They Blundered: Breaking My Decades Of Silence On Mike Bickle, The Kansas City Prophets and International House of Prayer- Kansas City (pp. 172-174). Joseph Company Global. Kindle Edition.