Another 10 percent are undecided. A network of personal support has helped 84 percent in their ministry. Over 4 out of 10 say another source of support for them in the ministry has been a close friend with whom they can confide. One-fourth have had a mentor to help guide them. And one-fourth have had an affirming and supportive board to assist them.
Pastors are positive about their effectiveness in ministry.
Another three out of ten give themselves an average rating. Only one percent feel ineffective. The other top three reasons are found below. However, eight percent feel less confident now than at the start of their ministry. The four aspects about which pastors feel significantly more positive now than at the beginning of their ministry are being a servant, ministry effectiveness, being a leader, and ministry salary.