Pastoral Burnout: Causes, Consequences & Closure

Abstract by Hyveth Williams

Pastoral burnout is a growing concern among religious leaders in North America, with significant consequences for both individuals and congregations. Seventh-day Adventist clergy are not immune to this increasing stress-related 21st-century health malady. Several factors contribute to pastoral burnout, including excessive workload, unrealistic expectations, lack of support, and boundary violations (Maslach & Leiter, 2016). These factors often lead to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. This paper aims to explore the causes, consequences and closure of pastoral burnout, as well as potential strategies for intervention and prevention.