Church Executive Jan / Feb 2020 | Page 29

Quality of Life for Retired Pastors The results of a recent LifeWay Research survey, sponsored by Shepherd’s Fold Ministries, revealed the attitudes of retirement age pastors and missionaries about various aspects of their lives, including their health, relationships, reflections on ministry and how they’ve adjusted to their current life stage. “Our number one goal is to provide relevant resources to help retired ministers,” Brent Van Hook, director of Shepherd’s Fold Ministries, told Aaron Earls, the online editor for Facts & Trends at LifeWay Christian Resources. “The results of this study show specific ways retired ministers can experience genuine higher well-being related to social, spiritual, physical and financial health.” Here are some of the highlights from the results of the survey: • Out of those ministers or missionaries surveyed, 8 in 10 (81%) are currently retired or mostly retired. Around half (52%) have been in ministry 40 years or longer, with 35% serving 40 to 49 years and 17% serving 50 years or more. • The vast majority think fondly about their previous ministry. More than 9 in 10 (92%) said they are satisfied with their ministry efforts before retirement, with 59% saying they are very satisfied. • When asked about their feelings toward the churches or mission field where they served, around 8 in 10 (79%) said they feel thankful. You want the freedom to … reach out … minister to people … create fellowship We provide you with the tools to increase administrative efficiency and streamline accounting tasks, freeing you up to perform the work that matters. Install on your PC or network, or access online. Choose which fits your needs. … contribute to your community PowerChurch Plus was created for just that! We provide software tools, freeing you up to fulfill your mission. Membership Accounting Contributions Events Calendar Check In Completely Integrated www.PowerChurch.com • 800.486.1800 7.25x4.75 PCS Alternate (H).indd 1 3/1/16 5:36 PM CHURCH EXECUTIVE.COM | 29