[From Christian Post]
Pastors – perceived to be some of the most under-appreciated and on-demand workers in America – are actually the happiest and most satisfied in their jobs, a new study found. A survey by the University of Chicago found clergy as the top job for satisfaction among American workers; 87 percent of clergy reported being very satisfied. Firefighters (80 percent) and physical therapists (78 percent) were also the most satisfied in their profession.
“The most satisfying jobs are mostly professions, especially those involving caring for, teaching, and protecting others and creative pursuits,” said Tom W. Smith, director of the General Social Survey (GSS) at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, in the report.
In addition to being the most satisified, clergy also out-ranked other American workers as being the happiest (67 percent). Behind clergy were firefighters and transportation ticket and reservation agents, with 57 percent reporting being very happy.
Read about it here.
[From me]
I would guess the reason is that those of us in vocational ministry see lives changed daily. I know that is what gives me satisfaction. When I see people come to faith in Christ, marriages repaired and lives transformed I get the biggest blessing. What really get me excited is when I see other believers catching the vision of growing in their faith and telling their friends about it. Man, I could go on. God is good.
How about you? What brings you satisfaction in your job or ministry?
I guess I doubt those numbers. If it is so satisfying, why are so many leaving the ministry?
I too get satisfaction from God’s work in both others and my life. But not sure the percentages are that high.
Unfortunately I must agree with Tom. The statistic I have read is that 100 ministers leave the ministry every month (not just SBC, of course). There are days when God is moving and people’s lives are changing that I am very happy and content in God’s call on my life to vocational ministry. However, there are other days when I wish I could curl up in a corner and hide. All in all, it seems that when I depend on Christ, I’m very satisfied. When I depend on me, I’m not.
Les
There are so many satisfying things about the pastoral ministry. A meandering business meeting gives me immense amounts of satisfaction. That and the tuna casseroles at potlucks would definately top my list.
Sigh…
I thought this would be an enjoyable post. That’s what I get for thinking.
I am so blessed and appreciate being allowed to do what I’m doing. I hate it for others. I’ve been through some difficult times in ministry but I think God can’t use anyone until they have been broken. I have been. God is good.
I love the knowledge that I’m influencing students’ minds and hearts to think more deeply about the world around them. The most satisfying part of teaching is seeing students have that “aha!” moment when they just get it.
I also get a deep sense of satisfaction from knowing that I am doing what God has called me to do – that I am using the gifts and talents God gave me to meet a need and to make a difference.
Brother Kevin,
Sorry that the day is not going well. I agree with your comments, I am completely satisfied with the ministry. God has called me to one huge overwhelming position, and He gifts me to fulfill it. That in itself is fulfilling.
Blessings,
Tim
Kevin,
It was too negative.
Sorry about the bad beginning… that’ll teach me to be the first to post
I am really ecstatic with God’s call on my life. He has given me a great group of people to pastor. They have always been kind and gracious, but increasingly they are becoming more God and other centered. That’s what I should have started with….
Tom,
Kevin,
My snarky comment above was completely in jest.
I would agree with you that the thing I most love is seeing lives changed. I love seeing the reconciliation that Christ brings into broken families and broken lives. I also enjoy working in crisis counseling siutations with individuals and churches. I get tremendous satisfaction from practicing a ministry of reconciliation in those circumstances.
Oh, I also love the jello with fruit suspended in it. Now THAT is my favorite.
Taran,
I like the baked macaroni and cheese. Ummmmmm.
Job satisfaction…m’mmmm, seeing that I have had so many jobs and professions, it’s hard to say. I loved it when I was a nurse, and someone pulled through after sustaining critical injuries. In the police force, seeing some vicious rapist put behind bars for several decades was likewise satisfying, as was finding lost kids, rescuing stranded kittens, and exorcising ghosts from old folks’ wall heaters. Yes! A very common delusion. It was no use telling them that they were mistaken, so we’d go into a “Shoo! Begone! I banish you forever!” routine which they loved. It worked, too
Maybe I’ve missed my true calling- maybe I should be directing “Exorcist”-type films 
Or being an exorcist 
Being assistant geologist led me to some remarkable places and people and taught me a lot about the Earth itself.
Tutoring students is fun, too, especially when a sullen teenager suddenly sees the light and WANTS to learn!!! Now, THAT is truly satisfying!!!
I liked having my own restaurant and cooking up a storm. I also catered for university functions. Very satisfying.
My current job is being a law clerk, and I love it when we successfully win a case for a truly deserving client. Like, someone who slaved their lives away for someone else, and didn’t get a mention in the will…and we can demonstrate that they should be considered as a beneficiary.
Jobs I loathed- being an IBM punch- card operator and an insurance clerk.
I would never in a million years be able to find anything positive about those soul-destroying occupations.
Basically, I think that bringing some joy or other benefits to the lives of others is what makes a job enjoyable, and being happy in one’s occupaton has many health benefits.
I’m glad to read the figures are so high. They have incredibly demanding jobs. It seems like so many people complain no matter what you do.
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