New research shows that many pastors, while reporting strong marriages and a deep sense of vocation, are navigating ministry with limited personal support.

A study by Barna Group, titled ‘The Relationships of Today’s Pastors,’ found that more than 90 per cent of pastors describe their marriages as strong. Around 40 per cent said they regularly feel lonely, and only a third reported having a close confidante outside their congregation.

David Kinnaman, chief executive of Barna, said: “Pastors often feel the strain of having to lead people spiritually, while also creating a kind of trusted network of friendships outside of the people they lead.”

Researchers measured well-being across five areas including relationships, faith, vocation, finances and overall life satisfaction, and found that relationships ranked lowest, with an average score of 67 out of 100.

Marriage was a relative strength: 76 per cent said their spouse was their closest friend, while around half said their partner understood their challenges and maintained open, healthy communication. Outside marriage, however, many pastors reported lacking deep friendships where they could speak freely without concern for their leadership role.

The study also revealed that pastors are less likely to seek help for relational challenges than for other areas of life. Fewer than one in three identified relationships as a key area of need, despite it being their lowest-scoring category.

Mr Kinnaman said: “Friendship, vulnerability and spiritual direction aren’t luxuries, they’re lifelines…It’s about seeing them, acknowledging that they carry real burdens in their relationships and finding ways to support them in becoming whole and healthy.”