Mental-health literature is replete with definitions and discussions of what is commonly called professional “burnout.” It is often defined by emotional exhaustion characterized by cynicism, depersonalization, and inefficiency.1 A conference ministerial director I recently spoke with was certain that half of his pastors had at least one of these cardinal features. The caring professions seem especially vulnerable, but job burnout is not a new idea, and it can strike people who work in most professions.
The problem with the kind of data mentioned by the ministerial director is there are no adequate controls. It is common for many people at various points in life to experience one or more of these cardinal symptoms. The real question is whether this is more than in a control population—and whether the symptoms are persistent or transient.
What are the alleged causes of burnout? Of course, there are many, but several categories come to mind:
1. Overwhelming demands and work overload are often associated with sleep deprivation and a need to be “superhuman.”
2. Breakdown of work-life balance. What proportion of one’s time is spent on work responsibilities versus family, hobbies, study, and vacation?
3. The lack of, or perceived lack of, resources. This can be felt in, for example, inadequate secretarial help, insufficient lay support, or lack of help with church property maintenance.
4. The “absence of fairness.” This angst tends to characterize the spirit of our times. The lack of “fairness” is discussed universally in various contexts, leading many groups to feel marginalized.
5. Insufficient rewards. While pastors generally do not choose the profession for its monetary rewards, the nonmonetary rewards of being respected and contributing meaningfully to the community, if lacking, may contribute to burnout.
If you are struggling in these areas, what can you do? Before we look at some specific antidotes for avoiding burnout, it is important to consider what it means to be a professional. One of the central features of any profession is the characteristic of altruism. This means considering the feelings and well-being of others over those of oneself.2 Success in a profession is meaningfully measured by the ability to help others. Parishioners are willing to share with pastors some of the most intimate and personal details of their lives because they have confi-dence the pastor cares more about them than about himself or herself. The life of Jesus is a prime example of an outward/ others focus that demonstrates a major antidote for burnout by being a true professional.
In my four decades of pastoral, departmental, and academic ministry, I have at times had feelings that might have led to burnout. However, I praise God that His Word and communion with Him have helped me apply the following seven principles at critical points of my life to prevent burnout:
1. Work in a truly resource-limited environment. Learn from those pastors who are functioning effectively with far fewer resources than you have. Traveling to various corners of the earth can be very enlightening on this point. You do not need to travel far to find resource-limited environments where you can witness amazingly good things happening. This will help you feel less sorry for yourself!
2. Empathize with yourparishioners, but do not expect them to empathize with you. This is not always easy. Pastors must minister to people who are very different from themselves politically and socially, but it should have no bearing on being a professional. Becoming offended by the way parishioners treat you is a certain road to feeling burned out.
3. Recognize work is part of life and life is part of work. Today it is popular to discuss the need to set “boundaries.” While this may at times be necessary, the more you think about a parishio-ner’s difficulties and challenges, the happier you will be with your own situation. If you try too hard to carve out time for “life” versus “work,” you will become frustrated.
4. Learn to maintain a sense of humor. Do not take yourself too seriously. There are many ironies in life, and one of the best ways of dealing with them is to laugh.
5. Study history. When you do, you will discover you are not the only one who has lived through this. When I think of those who have gone before me, it is a powerful tool to fight off the symptoms of burnout.
6. Be a mentor. There were people who mentored you. Never forget that you can help pass the baton to the next generation. Seek to share your experiences with others.
7. Be realistic. Challenges and frustrations are a part every life. Solving the challenges and overcoming the frustrations with the help of Christ are what a professional pastor does.
Never forget God called you—and with that call comes enabling strength.
1. Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, 7th ed., s.v. “burnout,” accessed May 10, 2016, medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/burnout.
2. Louis K. Brandeis, “Business—The New Profession,” La Follette’s Weekly Magazine 4, no. 47 (November 23, 1912): 7.
