Malcontented Ministers? Predictors of Clergy Job Dissatisfaction and Thoughts of Leaving Ministry

Abstract

This study examines factors associated with clergy job dissatisfaction and thoughts of leaving ministry, using nationally representative data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders (NSRL). While most U.S. clergy report high job satisfaction, substantial variation exists. Contrary to expectations, factors like gender and differences in theology or politics show weak associations with dissatisfaction and exit intentions. Instead, three factors emerge as robust predictors: feeling less cared for by one’s congregation, poor mental health, and religious doubts. Notably, many clergy who consider leaving think about transitioning to other religious work rather than exiting ministry entirely, suggesting position-specific rather than vocation-wide discontent. Among the key predictors, feeling cared for by one’s congregation shows the strongest and most consistent associations across outcomes. These findings highlight how relational support, psychological well-being, and belief-role congruence relate to satisfaction and retention in occupations that blend professional demands with personal calling. The results challenge assumptions about what drives clergy from their posts and offer insights for understanding worker well-being in demanding service professions.