And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place (2 Chronicles 36:15, KJV).
The 2023 Global Adventist Pastors’ Survey assessed pastors’ support systems. The outcomes presented below are the average from the 13 Divisions and one attached territory.
Percentage of Pastors’ Feeling of Support from Congregation(s)
Most pastors felt supported by their congregation(s): 51.7% strongly agreed, 38.0% agreed more than disagreed, 6.6% disagreed more than agreed, 2.5% disagreed strongly, and 1.2% were unsure. Approximately 90% responded positively to the statement.
Percentage of Pastors’ Feeling of Conference Leaders’ Support
Most pastors felt supported by their Conference leaders: 48.8% strongly agreed, 32.3% agreed more than disagreed, 10.7% disagreed more than agreed, 6.0% strongly disagreed, and 2.2% were unsure. On this question, 81% answered positively.
Percentage of Pastors’ who Feel Supported by Union Leaders
Most pastors felt supported by their Union leaders: 38.6% strongly agreed, 29.4% agreed more than disagreed, 14.1% disagreed more than agreed, 10.2% strongly disagreed, and 7.7% were unsure. For this question, 68% of pastors answered positively.
Pastors’ Feeling that the Church Organization Provides Fair Treatment
Most pastors agreed that the Church had treated them fairly in their employment: 43.3% strongly agreed, 33.8% agreed more than disagreed, 12.7% disagreed more than agreed, 7.9% strongly disagreed, and 2.3% were unsure. In total, 77 % of pastors responded positively.
Spousal Support in Pastors’ Ministry
Pastors responded very positively when asked whether their spouse was supportive of their ministry: 73% strongly agreed, 17% agreed more than disagreed, 3.6% disagreed more than agreed, 2.2% strongly disagreed, and 4.2% were unsure. The positive response rate was 90%.
Pastors Having a Close Relationship with Family
In addition, pastors responded positively when asked whether they felt close to their family: 69.9% strongly agreed, 22.9% agreed more than disagreed, 4.2% disagreed more than agreed, 1.9% strongly disagreed, and 1.1% were unsure. Again, the positive response rate for this question was 93%.
Percentage of Family Members Resenting the Church and its Impact
When asked whether their family resented the church and its effect on their family, 52.8% strongly disagreed, 21.4% disagreed more than agreed, 13.0% agreed more than disagreed, 8.5% strongly agreed, and 4.3% were unsure. In total, 74% of pastors felt that their family did not resent the effect the church had on the family.
Pastors’ Belief in Receiving Fair Wages
Finally, pastors were asked whether they felt they were paid fairly for the work they did: 44.3% strongly agreed, 29.2% agreed more than disagreed, 13.6% disagreed more than agreed, 9.7% strongly disagreed, and 3.2% were unsure. About three-quarters of pastors (responded positively to the question (73.5%), while 26.5% disagreed or were not sure.
Overall, it appears that Adventist pastors around the world are happy with the amount of support they receive from the Church and from their families, although the levels can vary greatly between Divisions, and of course, more work can and should be done to address the concerns of those pastors who do not feel adequately supported.
Our ministers in responsible places are men whom God has accepted. No matter what their origin, no matter what their former position, whether they followed the plow, worked at the carpenter’s trade, or enjoyed the discipline of a college; if God has accepted them, let every man beware of casting the slightest reflection upon them (Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church vol. 4, p. 607).
You can access the full report.
Created in collaboration with the Institute of Church Ministry.
Published by ASTR on 9/23/2025.