When Tim Ryan was called to an urgent meeting last year to discuss his duties as children’s minister at West Shore Evangelical Free Church, he knew something was amiss.
“This is really hard. I don’t know how I can do this,” said executive pastor John Nesbitt, who helps lead the 2,500 attendee megachurch in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
The church, part of the Evangelical Free Church of America, had been growing rapidly but giving was down and well below projections as the recession weighed on members. So Mr. Ryan was losing his job, as was another pastor.
While the economy appears to be recovering from the worst downturn in generations, more clergy are facing unemployment as churches continue to struggle with drops in donations. In 2009, the government counted about 5,000 clergy looking for jobs, up from 3,000 in 2007 and 2,000 in 2005.
No profession is recession proof. I learned that many years ago as a plumber. Thank God I’m retired. There’s lots of work if your available for free.
Does anyone find it strange that a church of 2500 cannot or will not support the childrens ministry. Where do you suppose the members with children will go? What will be the attraction for new members with children? This is beyond tragic–it’s stupid.
On the other hand, I have met many ordained clergy over the years who in secular employment will cause much less harm to other people’s souls.