The profusion of conferences and publications concerning the longevity of ministry demonstrate that being a pastor became more complex. Published statistics establishing the pastoral attrition rate merit an analysis of the phenomenon: for what motives is pastoral ministry being abandoned? What are the determining factors in this decisional process? How could the "human resources" in ministry better been taken care off? After analyzing studies, mostly published abroad (ch. 1), an explorative survey for descriptive purposes was conducted in France. This was by means of a questionnaire among ex-pastors and practicing pastors followed by interviews. The collected information confirms the significant elements in the analysis that allow us to identify three conditions that relate to the longevity of ministry: professionalization, a strong conviction of the call to pastor and the adequate balancing of family life and ministry (ch. 2). Various competing difficulties challenge the realization of optimum conditions for the maintenance of long term ministry: the paradoxes of ministry (built-in contradictions and ambiguities in the role and life of a pastor), the tension between vocation and professionalization, the diversity of definitions of what is in essence pastoral ministry. These are the object of a study (ch. 3) for which the choice of method is the analysis of contemporary authors rather than a historical or systematical review, with the purpose of exposing current opinions and positions. The outcome of this research allows us to present courses of action which might help support the durability of ministry. It will also be of relevance to the initial preparation and ongoing training for pastors, the areas of family life affected by ministry, and the spiritual and professional care for pastors.
