Five Assessment Questions Every Pastor Should Ask 

How are you really doing?

Ministry is challenging, and the past few years—marked by pandemics, politics, and shifting congregational dynamics—have tested pastors like never before. Here are five questions to help you evaluate your spiritual, emotional, and ministerial health.

1. Am I Still Committed to My Call?

On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand? A 2021 Lifeway Research report found that only about 1% of pastors leave the pulpit annually—a testament to their resilience. Historically, pastors don’t quit easily. As Galatians 6:9 (CSB) reminds us, “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” Reflect honestly: Are you still all in, or has your commitment wavered?

My Rating _______

2. Am I Experiencing Ministry Fatigue?

Ministry fatigue is the slow burn that creeps in after prolonged seasons of pushing hard or difficulty. Lifeway Research reveals that 54% of pastors find ministry frequently overwhelming, and 48% feel its demands often exceed their capacity. After years of navigating toxic politics, some right in your own ministry area, and a global pandemic, widespread fatigue is not surprising.  

This isn’t new—ministry has always been demanding. Scripture calls us to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2, CSB)—but unchecked fatigue can spiral into burnout or depression. I’ve been there; 12 years ago, I hit that wall and sought clinical help to recover. One key indicator? Your Sabbath rhythm. The Greatest Needs of Pastors study found 64% of pastors struggle to rest consistently, while 84% report being on call 24/7. Sabbath isn’t optional—it’s a gift and a command (Exodus 31:15). As Dr. Archibald Hart put it, “Pastors don’t get into trouble because they forget they’re pastors. They get into trouble because they forget they’re persons.”

On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand on Sabbath rest?

My Rating _______

3. Am I Conflicted About Vision or Goals?

How many hours have you poured into ministry plans over the past two years, only to see them still in process or even derail? The unpredictability of attendance and volunteer engagement compounds the frustration—77% of pastors in the Greatest Needs study say developing leaders remains a pressing issue. Meanwhile, 80% expect conflict in their churches. Members seem divided on everything, and the loudest voices can drown out your focus on God’s call and vision for the church. Check yourself: Are you guarding the vision God gave you, or are you letting distractions—online, on campus, or at home—steer the ship?

On a scale of 1 to 10, where are you on implementing vision and goals?

My Rating _______

4. Am I Isolated from Other Pastors?

The Greatest Needs study highlights a longing for connection: 69% of pastors crave friendships, and 64% seek fellowship with peers. During the pandemic, isolation felt inevitable as gatherings ceased. Now, I worry about pastors isolated in a crowd. Three in four say they’d welcome guidance from seasoned pastors who’ve faced similar struggles of going solo, yet relationships don’t form without effort. Are you reaching out, or retreating? Hopefully this ReKindle Retreat is causing you to make some decisions. 

On a scale of 1 to 10, where are you on isolating?

My Rating _______

5. Am I Optimistic About the Future?

Anecdotally, I believe most pastors still anchor their hope in Jesus. Trials don’t just test faith—they refine it, offering growth opportunities. Some traditions claim faith eliminates fear, but Scripture disagrees; the Psalms are full of both. Faith doesn’t erase fear—it equips us to face it with “peace that surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7, CSB).  

Ministry has always been hard.  Yet our Shepherd remains faithful, armed with rod and staff to comfort us. The real challenge? Staying devoted “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4, CSB). Too many pastors struggle with consistent prayer (72%), repentance (61%), and personal Bible reading (68%). Soul care isn’t just important—it’s imperative. 

Ask God: Am I loving You daily with all my heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37)? “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” (Psalm 73:28, NLT).

On a scale of 1 to 10, where are you at with spending time with Jesus?

My Rating _______

This assessment is just to get a baseline for your time away on this ReKindle Retreat. Take your ratings of these critical areas of ministry and spend some time reflecting on what the Lord would say to you in each. Condemnation is never from Jesus, but conviction is. Falling in love with Jesus is the key to ministry. We can only give what we have and our love for Jesus will be contagious! 

We are praying for you!

More resources – https://research.lifeway.com/greatestneeds/