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The Most Frustrated Profession


Russell Chadler, Racing Toward 2000: The Forces Shaping America's Religious Future, Harper Collins, Zondervan, pp. 216, 217, Discoveries, Summer, 1992

By many estimates, the 1990s will be a time of continued confusion for clergy. Ministers are "the most frustrated profession in the nation," according to management consultant Peter Drucker.… A study prepared by the Episcopal Foundation concluded that "many old and established patterns for ordained leaders in the church are no longer working." Among clergy comments in the study: The status of clergy is lower. Clergy are no longer considered to be special people. I feel pulled apart. Am I a pastor or a businessman?

Many clergy, the report said, "are conceiving a role for themselves like chief executive officers of a multi-level organization, where skilled laity are middle managers."