Effects of the Current Clergy Shortage

As I wrote recently, 48 of the 130 worshiping communities in the Southwestern Texas Synod are looking for pastoral leadership, but only six congregations can afford someone full time.

The traditional goal over the years has been to have 10-15% of the congregations in the call process, not 37% as we have now. Having 10-15% in the process at any given time allows for congregations to have access to pastors and for pastors to have other employment (call) opportunities.

The current situation serves neither group. With only 5% of the congregations now seeking a full time person, there are not enough opportunities for pastors who need to move. With so many part time positions open, congregations lack leadership and the leaders they eventually get will probably not be able to do much in the community they are called to serve.