Clergy Killers
I recently received information about a new 90 minute film called Betrayed: The Clergy Killers DNA. The film follows up on book several years ago by Dr. G. Lloyd Rediger who coined the phrase “clergy killer.” I remember the book and having the thought that the title was a little too dramatic. The film acknowledges that many have reacted in a similar fashion and then proceeds to gather information that suggests the validity of such a term.
1500 Clergy Leaving the Ministry Each Month
According to the trailer for the film, each month at least 1500 clergy leave active ministry worldwide. That statistic alone should cause concern. Their suggestion is that at least 50 % of congregations have, among their membership, a few people who actively seek to attack the pastor. That may correspond to another statistic that I recently read about from a study that suggests that 50% of clergy would consider leaving the ministry if they were offered the opportunity.
Cuts Across the Theological Spectrum
I’ve not seen the film or read the book, but I have watched a number of colleagues experience personal opposition from a minority within their congregation at a level that affects their personal health, family health, and spiritual well being. It is clear from both my personal conversations and research that this is not a phenomenon that is reserved for a particular theological perspective. Both liberal and conservative and many moderate pastors know this experience.
A Breakdown in Trust
As I reflected on this issue, it occurred to me that many of the professions in our society that once were revered have recently been under attack. Not only clergy, but teachers, scientist, bankers, counselors, doctors, social workers, military leaders, and certainly politicians have all found their profession under attack. As you look at that list, and add others that you can think of, you will realize that these are all professions that require a level of public trust. Whether it is a teacher, a banker, or a soldier, we are giving them a measure of power over our lives. How do we live in a society that has lost its capacity to trust?
The Power of Negativity
I’ve long recognized that negative power is stronger than positive power. If one person says something negative about a pastor, for example, and another says something positive, which comment tends to linger and have power to affect that person? I want to explore this phenomenon in the next couple of blogs.
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I have recently published three volumes of Clergy Tales—Tails in my effort “to build respect for clergy one story at a time.” amzn.to/13VO446 I am pleased to announce that I will release a mystery novel, A Star and a Tear, in September. The lives of clergy are filled with a complex mosaic of challenges and satisfactions. I invite you to join with some friends and allow either the collections of short stories or the mystery novel to stimulate conversation about clergy and the churches that they pastor.
