The majority of evangelical pastors in the United States serve in small churches and face financial hardships, according to a newly released study.
The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) released a study on Tuesday of 4,200 pastors, conducted by Grey Matter Research, and found that most pastors encounter financial challenges while serving in the church.
Over half serve in churches with annual budgets of less than $125,000 and half make less than the $49,5000 a year, less than the national median household annual income of $51,939.
While seven-in-ten receive housing allowance, less than half receive other compensations from the church such as health insurance (42 percent) and retirement funds (38 percent).
Many also struggle to ensure lasting financial stability. Nearly one-third (29 percent) of pastors reported having $0 in personal savings and take up second jobs as an extra source of income (31 percent).
The majority of pastors serve in churches with congregations of less than 200 people (79 percent). Over half (63%) of the pastors reported that their church could not afford to pay them more.
Despite financial stressors, four out of ten with personal financial hardships report having no one to confide in, but would value having someone.
"The vast majority of pastors do not have their own radio or TV show, robust church staff, or megachurch attendance," NAE President Leith Anderson said in a statement. "Rather, they faithfully serve in small churches and face financial challenges stemming from student debt, low salaries and medical expenses. And sadly, they often feel they have no one to turn to for help."
NAE is launching a $1 million multi-year initiative to address the financial challenges that pastors face and to provide resources to help relieve some of the pressures.
