Pastoral burnout - stating the problem - a.Definition b.Symptoms c.The causes

a. Definition - what is burnout? burnout is one of those things that we all just assume we understand true burnout is more than physical exhaustion It's more than being overworked It's not the same thing as being tired all the time But if you are tired and no matter what you do you are still tired, you are probably looking at something more severe than just exhaustion. “Burnout is a gradual process of loss during which the mismatch between the needs of the person and the demands of the job grows even greater.” Maslach & Leiter

How does it look like? First, it is a gradual process. Burnout takes time to develop. Something that happened last week isn't the cause of your burnout. Burnout progresses at a slow pace, usually without even being noticed. Second, burnout is a process of loss. It is the loss of ideals, the loss of hope, the loss of focus, the loss of joy, the loss of relationships, and the loss of “dignity” in your work. Third, burnout is a mismatch between person and job. You and your job are out of sync. It's not giving you the sense of satisfaction that it used to. It is a source of frustration rather than fulfilment. You'd rather do just about anything else… Last, this process of mismatch continues to increase without any hope of resolution. It feels like it is your new way of life, that the way you feel now is your permanent condition.

b. The symptoms - how do I know if I'm burned out? (1) I. Exhaustion This measures the feelings of being emotionally overextended and exhausted by one's work. Reasons: First, the volume of work may be unsustainable. There is too much work to do. Second, the work is too intense. Dealing with criticism, conflict, serious issues such as marital problems, funerals, and leadership challenges creates an intensity that is unbearable. And third, the work is too complex.

The symptoms - how do I know if I'm burned out? (2) II. Cynicism This symptom measures an unfeeling and impersonal response toward people in the congregation, other staff members, friends, and even family members. You withdraw psychologically from those you are with. This is in response to being exhausted. You don't have the energy any more to get emotionally involved in people's lives – even the lives of your spouse and children. The people closest to you may tell you that you are being grouchy, cold or even cruel. You don't care about your job anymore.

The symptoms - how do I know if I'm burned out? (3) III. Ineffectiveness - measures feelings of competence and successful achievement in your ministry. You feel like a failure. You feel that no matter what you try it's not good enough. You think that your ministry effectiveness is poor. Conclusion on symptoms: You are not really burned out until you feel all three to one degree or another: exhausted, cynical, and ineffective. That's a good thing if you don't feel all three.

c. The causes - what causes burnout? “Burnout is a gradual process of loss during which the mismatch between the needs of the person and the demands of the job grows even greater.” Maslach & Leiter Mismatches: 1. Workload – emotional processor… 2. Control “There is a limit to how little control people can have and still maintain a productive relationship with work.” 7 Maslach & Leiter The Truth About Burnout, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1997, 3. Reward – 3 kind: material, intrinsic, external reward – being respected 4. Fairness - atmosphere where people don't trust or respect each other 5. Community - When fairness is absent, community is also damaged. Conflict. 6. Values - What is most important?