Pastoral Resilience: Maintaining a Healthy Life in Ministry

Abstract

The public ministry presents the pastor with blessings that prove to be gracious gifts of God. However, it also manifests many temptations, trials, and tribulations. The expectations placed upon a pastor can leave him wondering if the ministry is worth all the hassle. First and foremost, the pastor must preach and proclaim the gospel to his congregation and the community around him. Proper gospel proclamation includes regular preaching, teaching Bible classes, confirmation, homebound visits, hospital calls, preserving the spiritual well-being of his family, and so much more. The ministry proves to be no small task, yet the expectation for a pastor is that he does his work with excellence. This may easily result in burnout. This thesis will ponder the reality of burnout in a pastor’s ministry and the resilience a pastor practices to protect himself in three aspects of his life: physical health, mental and emotional health, and spiritual health. Being strong and pushing through difficult times does not equate to resiliency. Resiliency is about managing life’s troubles and discovering ways to persevere without burning out.