In late 2023, when Barna polled 523 Protestant senior pastors of varying ages and denominations (including nondenominations), they found that one-third had considered quitting in the last year, 60 percent had significantly doubted their calling, and 25 percent said they’d seriously doubted their faith. Most soberingly, Barna says, “Nearly one in five Protestant senior pastors in the U.S. (18%) say they have contemplated self-harm or suicide within the past year.”
Covid damaged the very core of most churches; after most churches were closed for long periods of time, the congregations did not return in full capacity or even close in the vast majority. Long after covid could be used as an excuse for not attending, the pews sit empty.
A recent Pew Research Center study found that nearly one in three churches or religious organizations were completely closed in summer 2020, while others moved outside or online. By March 2022, most were offering some type of regular service, but only 43 percent of religious Americans reported that services currently being offered by their place of worship were back to their pre-pandemic operations.
So who’s to blame? The Church leadership, the congregation or the circumstances of life? Many would lay the blame at the feet of Satan himself who without a doubt enjoys the ramification of Covid. But Ezekiel 18:20 says “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
Mankind can’t blame Satan because they choose to sin against God any more than a child can blame their parents because they sinned.
Is it a sin not to go to church?
Hebrews 10:23-29 KJV
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. [26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. [28] He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: [29] Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
So what does that have to do with appreciating Pastors?
There is a heavy burden not only on Pastors to minister (being the shepherd) to those in the congregation, but that burden is extended to the sheep who have gotten out of the field and can’t seem to find their way back home, not allowing the Pastor to minister to them and encourage them in their faith. Perhaps they’re enjoying their Sunday mornings sleeping in, boating on the lake, spending time with family. But then hard times fall upon us all, and without the local church, how will you find that exhortation defined in verse 25 if not with the people of God?
If you have never had that fellowship of the saints and the ministry of a Pastor, you likely do not know what it means. But if you’ve had it, you know. You may deny the need, but your soul does not if it’s in Christ.
In this era of uncertainty, wickedness and confusion, a solid foundation for which to place your belief is needed for every family. God didn’t tell you not to forsake the assembly of yourself in church to control you, He spoke those words so you could find peace in the midst of chaos and evil.
There are three more days to honor your pastor in October, but honoring them the first weekend in November by attending church would be awesome too! Many are on social media, send them a message today and let them know that they, and more importantly God, are on your heart.
