Young Clergy Burden:
'Lifesaver' Mentality

Young clergy often feel the pressure of the "lifesaver mentality." They get that pressure when they hear local churches say, "We need you to help save the church." There is no expectation that the church is going to change. Many young clergy report that they are able to get some younger people to attend church, but it's hard to keep them because the expectation of the congregation is that they will join what has been. And younger people are interested in helping to shape something themselves.

Young clergy see tremendous attention given to the screening process for them because of anxiety in the church about poor clergy leadership. They are kind of paying the price for ineffective older clergy, and so there are more and more restrictions that get put on them. They also feel -- and not without justification -- that the primary factor in advancement tends to be years of service. So it gives them the impression that what they do and how well they function doesn't count as much. -- Dr. Lovett Weems, professor of church leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC, interviewed by Robin Russell, United Methodist Reporter, April 4, 2008.