Recent insights from former pastors and researchers point to a troubling finding in a Barna study: approximately one in five pastors have contemplated self-harm or suicide in the last year. Specifically, 18% of senior Protestant pastors report having these thoughts, while nearly half (47%) express feelings of loneliness or isolation.
“These statistics are incredibly striking,” commented Joe Jensen, a former pastor and senior vice president at Barna, when speaking with Crosswalk headlines.
The issue of pastor well-being has gained attention this May, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month. While the survey reveals a glimmer of hope—most of those 18% describe their feelings as fleeting or isolated—it also underscores significant, often overlooked needs within the pastoral community.
