Increasingly empty pulpits in an empty world

Bob Russell June 10, 2025

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In November 2024, NPR ran a headline that read, "Churches in America are having a hard time finding pastors."

When a secular news outlet like NPR highlights this issue, it underscores the severity of the situation. The growing lack of pastors to fill vacant pulpits—and the declining number of young people answering the call to ministry—represents a significant challenge for the future of the church.

Factors such as declining birth rates, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and economic uncertainty have impacted all sectors of higher education and the workforce. Yet, the shrinking number of ministerial recruits is especially concerning.

Churches are not just grappling with a numbers problem—they face the risk of spiritual stagnation and a critical leadership vacuum.

If this trend continues, we may see more empty pulpits or, worse, a growing reliance on unprepared or ill-equipped pastors. The stakes are high, and the need for bold, capable spiritual leaders has never been greater.

Jesus foresaw such a time: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field'" (Matt. 9:37-38).

The world is hungry for meaning and purpose, and many are discovering that life's answers cannot be found in wealth, status, or ideology. Watching the recent college football playoffs, it was striking to see how many athletes not only expressed their faith but boldly proclaimed the gospel. Increasingly, young people are rejecting the emptiness of secularism and embracing Christianity. Truly, the fields are ripe for harvest, but the laborers are few. We must earnestly pray for a new generation of spiritual harvesters to rise and lead our churches.

I am dedicating much of my time and energy to addressing this critical issue, and I am encouraged by Christian leaders who are implementing innovative and creative solutions. These efforts include establishing campuses to support the financial and logistical needs of smaller rural churches, expanding ministry training programs at Christian colleges, and launching online initiatives to recruit and equip second-career ministers. Such initiatives deserve our prayers, support, and resources.

Alongside these efforts, I urge pastors and church leaders to prioritize the church's primary mission: making disciples. This multiplying effect is essential for sustaining the church's future. While analysts point to various factors contributing to the pastor shortage, I fear that weak leadership and preaching that downplay the urgency of reaching the lost and pursuing holiness leave many young men unclear about the Lord's call. A church that is intentional about disciple-making often make disciples who choose to pursue full-time ministry. For many of us, clarity about God's call emerged through the encouragement and example of godly leaders who invested in our lives.

I challenge church leaders and pastors to not only prioritize intentional discipleship of its members but also actively encourage men—even boys in elementary and middle school—to consider ministry. Plant seeds early by sharing the joy and purpose of serving the Lord. Inspire newly retired men or those contemplating second careers to step into ministry.

Rather than retiring to a life of self-indulgence, encourage them to use their most productive years for self-sacrifice and advancing the gospel. By raising up harvesters across all stages of life, we can help others hear and respond to the Lord's call, ensuring the spiritual needs of future generations are met.

Please join me in praying that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into His harvest field. For God's Word promises, "'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' (Rom. 10:13-15).

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Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More »

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