Why Pastors and Churches give up.

From a practical standpoint, I understand why pastors and churches are giving up—especially in northern regions like New York and New Jersey. In my 22 years of ministry, by the grace of God, I’ve seen ministries flourish. But time and again, they fall apart because there’s no plan to pass the baton to someone equipped to continue the work. Bureaucratic hurdles within denominational structures, setbacks, and disappointments are constant companions. More often than not, you feel like you're failing rather than succeeding—and I speak from experience.

Balancing marriage, children, and ministry is a delicate and often exhausting act. Churches and pastors lose heart when they keep the doors open but no one walks through them. They lose heart when they don’t ask the hard question: Why aren’t people coming? And even more so when they don’t seek to understand the dynamics behind that absence.

We fail every time we don’t try. But in trying, God honors our efforts—and ministry can happen.

I have four children, and I’ll be honest: I don’t want them to be called into ministry. But I will never stand in the way of God’s will. People expect perfection from pastors and their families, and that expectation is neither fair nor just. I’ve spoken with ministers in my own community who’ve confessed they’re thinking of quitting—or are simply holding on until someone else can take over.

If I’m frank, the outlook for the universal Church doesn’t look good. So why don’t I give up?

Because I believe Jesus is our Lord and Savior. He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him daily. I believe the victory is in Jesus. And when ministry is done right, it is never in vain. I cannot give up on the One who has never—and will never—give up on me.

My faith tells me there is always a future filled with hope. I mourn and pray for every pastor and church that has given up. Many continue doing what they’ve always done, even as their demise feels inevitable. I don’t blame them. I understand.

But I choose not to give up—and I never will—because of who Christ is in this universe.

Be blessed. Be encouraged. Onward, Christian Soldiers! Forward and never backwards! 

Charles Perez (a small town pastor)