New research carried out in Wales has found work pressures is prompting the majority of evangelical clergy to consider leaving their jobs.

Top of the list of pastoral problems that ministers say they are called to deal with is stress, followed by marriage guidance, bereavement, loneliness and depression.

The study was conducted among the evangelical churches in the UK by Professor Leslie Francis and Dr William Kay from the Centre for Ministry Studies at the University of Wales, Bangor.

It has led to the formation of a Care for Pastors Network, which is being launched today at a special conference, which aims to offer church leaders support including health checks, discounted holidays and counselling.

The researchers found that 53% of clergy had thought about leaving their positions while 38% felt overwhelmed by the complexity of pastoral demands they face each day.

Ministers identified their main source of support as their spouse with 64% saying they relied on a husband or wife and 42% on a colleague.

Surveys

The research was based on 754 replies from 2,570 surveys sent to pastors affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance.

The Bangor academics were commissioned by their department and the Crusade for World Revival(CWR)/Waverley Christian Counselling.

John Smith, UK director of the Evangelical Alliance, said the results confirmed their understanding that many church leaders felt undervalued or taken for granted.

"Church leaders offer support at a time of bereavement or tragedy, distress, or loneliness, or when celebrating the birth of a child or a marriage, church leaders are expected to be there for us."

"This is a mere fraction of what their calling entails. But who is available for them? Who pastors or ministers to the ministers," he said.