This study conducts an exploratory factor analysis on Wickman's (2004) Pastors at Risk Inventory that measures the likelihood of whether clergy may face forced or unforced resignation. An online survey was administered to 285 evangelical pastors containing 42 Likerttype items developed from 20 years of qualitative practitioner ministry among clergy. The two factors identified-vision conflict and compassion fatigue-are discussed in relation to the extant literature and in their unique function with clergy. Results indicate that varying levels of disparity typically exist between expected ministry outcomes and actual ministry experiences, and that vision conflict and compassion fatigue are more likely among clergy who lack a support team and/or whose church has recently plateaued or declined in attendance.

This chapter presents the development of a scale that measures vision conflict, which refers to the disparity between what a minister anticipates a ministry to be like versus the real-life experience. Vision conflict is correlated with four similar phenomena, including role ambiguity, negative job satisfaction, negative values congruence, and negative ability-job fit. The scale addresses key factors that may affect pastoral terminations and exits from church ministry. It also encourages the understanding of critical elements that hinder pastoral effectiveness and create a stronger resilience to exiting the ministry.