Ministerial Burn out
Burn out is a common hazard that need not destroy its victims.
H. Newton Malony with Donald Falkenberg
October 1, 1980
"Where does the fire go? Again and again, ministers burn out. They lose their enthusiasm and excitement; they become bored and pedantic; and they decide to leave the ministry and enter other occupations.
Burn out is a hazard common to the service professions. Social workers, teachers, nurses, psychiatrists, and counselors all are in danger of suffering from a malady that makes once-coveted jobs seem like thankless chores. But ministers are especially hard hit because there is a stigma attached to leaving the ministry. It's seen as a spiritual failure, and those who leave often suffer a special kind of guilt about failing to fulfill their call.
Fortunately, burn out is not inevitable. It's often tied to misconceptions about the nature of Christian ministry, reluctance to change traditional pastoral roles, and unrealistic idealism about a minister's humanity. Burn out doesn't have to happen. If forewarned of the dangers, ministers might better anticipate, plan for, and work through this threat.
Four Cases of Burn Out
William Setoni is a small businessman who formerly was an Evangelical-Covenant minister for twenty-two years. Although no longer a full-time clergyman, he still enjoys substitute preaching, and remembers with nostalgia his years as a pastor. About ten years ago he decided to become the director of training in a company owned by one of his members. He had become discouraged with church work, even though he was good at his job and was well liked by his congregation. Since leaving the ministry he has been quite successful, and today owns a thriving vending company.
Consider the case of Peter McWilliams. Peter served
Presbyterian churches in New York, Ohio, and Kansas prior to becoming pastor of a small church in Tyler, ...
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