Pastors are more likely to be happily married than the people in their congregations, our Christianity Today International survey shows. Three-fourths of pastors say they are happily married, compared to 49 percent of married church attenders. One reason may be because they are more likely to be satisfied with their sex lives. Even so, pastors, like laity, want sex with their spouses more frequently (55% of pastors compared to 58% of congregants). The most common factors contributing to lack of sexual satisfaction are pastors’ busy schedules, raising children, and sexual inhibitions.
Roamin’ eyes, rushin’ fingers: Almost three-fourths of pastors told us they have been propositioned while in ministry (72%), with 8 percent reporting enticements a few times per year. But only 5 percent of pastors confessed to sexual infidelity while in ministry, compared to a national average of at least 15 percent among lay people. Pastors confessed fantasizing (67%) and flirting (25%), but only 6 percent admitted inappropriate touching, and the vast majority (92%) said they consciously avoid situations that could lead to sin.
The complete report can be purchased and downloaded at www.bclstore.com/chandsex.html.
With info from Leadership’s sister publication Your Church and reporting by John LaRue.
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