Reader survey: The problem with ministers today is . . .

By Observer Staff

“There are too few of them.”
—Female (75+), British Columbia

“Our ministry is more nine to five, five days a week than they once were.”
—Male (75+), Saskatchewan

“Few ministers receive an actual theological call. Too often their major objective is a generous salary with ideal working conditions — and this is strongly promoted by Toronto head office.”
—Male (75+), Manitoba

“Perhaps the problem is not with ministers at all, but with the challenges they face and the challenges congregations face.”
—Female (50-64), Saskatchewan

“My minister works too hard. She takes too little time off. She needs to be a little selfish.”
—Female (50-64), Ontario

“Too much red tape. Oversight is important but it shouldn’t stifle creativity.”
—Female (50-64), Saskatchewan

“The problem may not be with the ministers, but with the congregations they serve.”
—Female (65-74), Saskatchewan

“Burnout. Over the past 20 years I have seen the minister’s management and administrative role double.”
—Male (65-74), British Columbia