Date

12-4-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Phillip Stevens

Keywords

Burnout, Ministry Leaders, Stress, Church, Resiliency, Process and Procedures, Grit.

Disciplines

Practical Theology | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This study employed a qualitative approach to explore the lived experiences of ministry leaders in developing sustainable practices and procedures that reduce burnout and foster resilient leadership. Several studies on burnout have identified gaps in the processes and methods ministry leaders use to prevent burnout. This research concentrates explicitly on leadership within the church structure. Each participant is a ministry leader and practitioner who will share their lived experiences, which will be documented through the assessment and interview process, then transcribed, coded, and analyzed for common themes. The intervention in this study will provide a strong foundation for current and future ministries to better support their leaders and members through enhanced operations and the fostering of a thriving, united community. The three-step process introduced to 21 ministry leaders tells a story that emphasizes the need for essential steps to minimize work stress by providing the necessary process and procedures to help leaders plan, implement, reflect on, and address key areas, positioning them to be effective and efficient. The implementation of the intervention becomes vital for equipping leaders with the essential tool to minimize stress, thereby building resiliency and reducing burnout. Findings from this study will provide deeper insight regarding burnout. This study will also provide new insights into procedures to minimize ministry burnout, offering leaders sustainable processes and long-term knowledge to help manage stress and mitigate burnout.

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Available for download on Friday, December 04, 2026

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