Forced exits erode clergy morale

They are called "clergy killers"—congregations in which a small group of members are so disruptive that no pastor is able to maintain spiritual leadership for long. Ministers often endure the stresses of these dysfunctional relationships for months, or even years, before eventually being forced out or giving up.

Adding to the strain is the fact that the reality is often shrouded in secrecy. No one—from denominational officials to church members to the clerics themselves—wants to acknowledge the failure of a relationship designed to be a sign to the world of mutual love and support.

But new research is providing insights into just how widespread—and damaging—these forced terminations can be to clergy. An online study published in the March issue of the Review of Religious Research found that 28 percent of ministers said they had at one time been forced to leave their jobs due to personal attacks and criticism from a small faction within their congregations.