#58: Dan Scott

Dan Scott, formerly pastor of Christ Church and now in mental health practice and an Anglican bishop, talks about what pastors are not telling you about their mental health. In 2021 a Barna poll discovered that 51% of the pastors in mainline churches and 34% of the pastors in evangelical churches would like to quit.   Dan says, “I will talk about a crisis of identity in American Evangelicalism that is particularly acute for church leaders. Are we shepherds, managers, CEOs, teachers, entertainers, political organizers, what? Many American clergy remain dedicated to Christ and committed to their calling, but they can’t find relief from the intense divisions within their congregations, and from their congregants’ unwillingness to accept silence on social / political issues.”    Dan focuses on five statements: We have redefined church. We have redefined the pastor’s role. We are losing transcendence Many of us struggle with doubts about our faith. Few of us have a safe person with whom we can share our inner life and intimate thoughts.