I know that many who read this column each month faithfully attend local churches. So I wanted to speak directly to them about a challenge that has been brewing for several years.

Growing numbers of seminary and Bible college students who are preparing for Christian ministry have no desire, nor intention, to serve in local churches when they graduate. Churches in America may be facing a dramatic shortage of ministers in the coming years. One Southern Baptist seminary administrator recently wrote, “Students don't want to serve in the local church when they graduate; they want to do something more exciting.”

Estimates are that less than a third of students now attending seminary intend to minister to local congregations. These students profess a sense of God's calling in their lives. They just don't see themselves serving local churches.

Why is this trend happening today? What questions should be asked by those who faithfully attend local churches? What signals are we church members sending that turn off future ministers?

Some answers come to mind quickly. Churches can be slow to change. Established congregations tend be older, and thus, not cool to younger ministers. Most churches in America average 75 to 100 in attendance and are single-staff churches. Pastoral ministry is not viewed by current seminary students as cutting-edge ministry. Denominational programs and politics turn off young adult ministers. Conflict in local churches is too common.

So, what can church members, like you, do to help reverse this alarming trend?
First, understand the unique stresses of those in ministry. The Fuller Institute of Church Growth, through its exhaustive study of ministry stress, discovered that full-time pastors typically work 60 hours or more per week. Nearly 85 percent of pastors and their wives battle discouragement. Seventy percent fight depression regularly. Your pastor, or staff ministers, might stand up on Sundays and give the impression that all is well. But most are dealing with stress like you wouldn't believe.

Second, give attention to your minister's family. The role of the pastor's family is unique because it's a public role that brings all kinds of expectations from church members. Why is there such a thing as a PK but not “a dentist's kid”?
Church members, make sure your congregation actively encourages and supports your minister and his or her family. Be a true friend to them. Remember them on birthdays and special occasions. Encourage them to take time off. Don't place unrealistic expectations on the minister's family.

Third, examine your church's financial compensation policies. Advocate for adequate salaries for the church's pastor and staff. I've never met a pastor who told me he went into the ministry for the money, but the fact is, most are seriously underpaid. Does your church contribute to the minister's retirement, insurance needs, continuing education, and reimbursable expenses?

Fourth, embrace the age of change. Whereas we live in a world of technology and fast-paced change, the typical church today is still locked into a mode of ministry that goes back 50 years. Be open to new technology and how it can be used as a ministry tool in your church. Sing some songs that were written in the 21st century. Does your church's structure need to be revamped for new ways of doing ministry? Want more for your church than just the status quo and the same old same old.

I've had the privilege of serving five churches for 30 years. In addition, God allowed me to do denominational work for nine years. I won't say that every day in ministry has been a picnic, but it has been extremely fulfilling. I want future ministers to experience that same satisfaction.