Who should I tell? When you are a pastor with depression this can be a serious question. This often becomes a difficult trap. Let me set it up for you. If I tell my congregation it shows weakness and the gossips will ruin me. It is not the right example. It would be like a … Read More
It can be tough for pastors to recognize their own burnout and depression. Often the symptoms go unnoticed or ignored. After all, a pastor with depression is not in keeping with the degree of spirituality that is expected of him or her. If a pastor has enough faith, depression should not even enter into the … Read More
I have been a pastor for over 23 years. I know the price that pastors and their families pay to fulfill the calling of God on their life. I have experienced burnout and depression first hand; it is the dirty little secret that many pastors are afraid to admit. One pastor might be afraid to … Read More
Abstract Burnout and depression among clergy is a common occurrence across denominations. This paper presents clergy as candidates for burnout, causes, stressors, emotional exhaustion, and treatment of burnout and depression in clergy. The clergy member’s reticence to reveal personal depression including suggestions for future research is also discussed.