To many, 2022 may have felt like a return to familiar routines and rhythms after the disruptions of 2021 and 2020. Barna continued to monitor trends and shifts in faith and culture, reporting on topics such as pastoral well-being, discipleship practices and opportunities, emerging generations, children’s ministry and generosity.

This article features Barna’s most-engaged articles published over the last 12 months.

1. Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year

The number of pastors who have given serious consideration to quitting full-time ministry rose dramatically in 2021. In early 2022, Barna checked in with the more than two in five pastors who have considered leaving (42%) to determine what challenges are causing them to reconsider their position in the pulpit.

Over half of pastors who have considered quitting full-time ministry (56%) say “the immense stress of the job” has factored into their thoughts on leaving. Beyond these general stressors, two in five pastors (43%) say “I feel lonely and isolated,” while 38 percent name “current political divisions” as reasons they’ve considered stepping away.