Distinguishing Between the Pastor and the Superhero: God on Burnout and Self-care

Abstract

The risk of burnout in pastoral ministry is more than a myth! A number of empirical studies have concluded that like other helping professionals, Christian ministers in pastoral roles are at risk of burnout. We have consequently seen an intensification of clergy burnout discourse in the last three decades. However, much of the existing literature on clergy burnout is presented through the lens of burnout psychology with little or no reference to Scripture. This article takes a practical theological approach and traces pastoral ministry associated stress and risk of burnout to Moses' experiences in Exodus18:13-27 and Numbers 11:11-17 using a burnout theoretical framework. The author illustrates that Moses was both anointed and human—and was therefore predisposed to the risk of ministry-associated stress and burnout. Drawing from Yahweh's intervention in Moses situation, the article concludes by demonstrating that Yahweh is the architect of the principle of self-care in pastoral ministry.

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