Includes bibliographical references (pages 244-249) and index

The setting -- Pastors who left local church ministry -- Pastors who preferred another kind of ministry -- Pastors who needed to care for children or family -- Pastors who had conflict in the congregation -- Pastors who had conflict with denominational leaders -- Pastors who were burned out or discouraged -- Pastors who left due to sexual misconduct -- Pastors who left due to divorce or marital problems -- Perspectives from judicatory leaders -- The impact of gender and sexuality -- Thinking about returning to the pastorate -- Summary and recommendations from pastors -- Appendix A. Past research on pastors who left local church ministry -- Appendix B. Research method -- Appendix C. Additional data tables -- Appendix D. Helpful books on problems facing pastors

"Pastors in Transition presents the findings of the largest-ever study of recently ended ministries. More than 900 ex-ministers, representing the Assemblies of God, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Methodist Church, were surveyed or interviewed. Besides gathering facts and figures, the book contains personal stories, forthright opinions, and concrete recommendations from former pastors for strengthening parish ministry in the future."--Jacket