Date
5-2017
Department
School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Michael C Whittington
Keywords
African Americans, Burnout, Clergy, Pastors, Stress
Disciplines
Christianity | Other Religion | Practical Theology | Religion
Recommended Citation
Strong, Ronald, "Burnout Among African American Pastors: A Biblical and Practical Solution" (2017). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 1437.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/1437
Abstract
Pastors are dropping out of the Christian ministry at an alarming rate. These spiritual leaders often experience burnout due to excessive demands, which lead to physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion, impairing their pastoral effectiveness. Qualitative and quantitative surveys and interviews were used to determine the relationship between burnout and ministry effectiveness by focusing on three mitigating factors: physical, emotional, and spiritual rest. The results identified overall fatigue as the primary cause of spiritual aridness and pastoral failings. Using this research, this thesis provides a model for holistic health with specific solutions for ministry burnout, thereby, improving pastoral effectiveness.
