Burnout and wellbeing in church leaders project

NCLS Research has studied burnout and wellbeing in church leaders since 2001.

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.

Related articles

These web articles explore aspects to do with burnout and wellbeing among church leaders

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High degrees of stress as well as effectiveness are found amongst church leaders

Ministry roles: What should be done versus the actual reality

We examine the gap between the roles local senior leaders actually carry out, compared with what they feel should be their main roles.

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Related Articles

Leader wellbeing: the impact of effectiveness and stress

High degrees of stress as well as effectiveness are found amongst church leaders

Ministry roles: What should be done versus the actual reality

We examine the gap between the roles local senior leaders actually carry out, compared with what they feel should be their main roles.

10 tips to help church leaders move from surviving to thriving

Our guest practitioner shares insights into thriving and sustainable leadership

Inspiring and empowering leadership culture

Our research has highlighted that leaders need to not only inspire others but also equip them and involve them in the tasks of the church.