The research on burnout and wellbeing has found that many church leaders experience stress as well as satisfaction in ministry.
Stress can sometimes be constructive because of the response it elicits - people can rise to a challenge. However chronic stress, will eventually take a toll, and lead one towards burnout. The balance of the positives and negatives of ministry, combined with the personal vulnerabilities and strengths of the leader will determine whether they are thriving, merely surviving, or burning out.
While the causes and pathways towards or away from burnout are complex, there is widespread agreement that burnout itself is a combination of 'emotional exhaustion' with typical distancing and coping behaviours (often referred to as 'depersonalisation'), and a low sense of personal achievement and work satisfaction.
Sustainable leadership practices are essential for avoiding burnout, and moving from merely surviving to thriving in ministry.
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