The Clergy Bubble

The Lewis Center released data today in regards to the average age of clergy among mainline Christian denominations.  The numbers are not shocking in that for most mainline denominations the average age of clergy over the age of 55 is greater than 50%.

According to the Lewis Center, the percentage of younger clergy has stayed the same from 2011 to 2012.  Across the United Methodist Church, there was an increase in the number of young (under the age of 35) local pastors, however the number of deacons and elders in this demographic slightly declined.

If the church cannot attract younger clergy we are in trouble.  And this goes back to our congregations attracting younger members in general.  The majority of young adults will not return to the church after they graduate from college until they have young children.

Here is the entire report.