Reformed pastors postpone retirement due to lack of new talent
Published: Wednesday, May 22nd 2024, 13:01
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More and more pastors in the Reformed national churches in German-speaking Switzerland are working beyond the normal retirement age: at the end of 2023, there were 88 people, compared to four times fewer nine years ago.
The fact that people are working longer in the pastoral profession is probably due to "an awareness of the increasing shortage of young talent", according to a press release issued by the Office for the Promotion of Young Theologians of the Reformed Regional Churches on Wednesday.
The number of students at the theological faculties in German-speaking Switzerland has been falling for years: however, the rapid rate of decline has now been slowed somewhat, according to the press release. Since 2020, the number of students has fallen by an average of 13.5 percent annually, and by almost 20 percent between 2018 and 2020.
Large wave of retirements expected
This is likely to further exacerbate the shortage of young talent. Especially as the Office for the Promotion of Young Theologians is also expecting a "large wave" of retirements from the baby boomer generation. While around 45 pastors currently retire every year, up to 100 people are expected to leave the profession between 2026 and around 2031.
The Reformed Church therefore wants to take countermeasures: In many cantons, vacant pastor positions are already being advertised more attractively. The framework conditions for working in retirement age have also been improved, according to the press release.
In addition, the work of promoting young talent is to be strengthened and the admission requirements for lateral entry into the reformed pastoral profession adapted.
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