Clergy Burnout: Recovering From The 70 Hour Week... and Other Self-Defeating Practices (Prism Series) [Paperback]

Fred Lehr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0800637631 | ISBN-13: 978-0800637637 | Edition: 1

In this highly accessible book, Fred Lehr clarifies the nature and practice of clergy codependence. In short, insightful, and highly readable chapters, filled with many examples and stories from his own life and those he has counseled, Lehr identifies the typical forms codependence takes in the life and ministry of clergy: the chief-enabler, the one who keeps things functioning; the scapegoat, the one on whom everything's blamed when it goes wrong, the one who's responsible; the hero, the example, the pure and righteous one; the lost child, the one no one really knows or cares about; the rescuer, the one who saves the day, makes the visit, fixes the problem, makes everything all right again; the mascot, the cheerleader, the one who offers comic relief, brings down the tension level after a heated discussion.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Frederick (Fred) Lehr is an ELCA pastor (graduate of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, and Drew-D.Min). He is the founder and Manager of Renewal Ministries, LLC, a ministry of training and consulting for church systems, church leaders, and church professionals with special emphasis on conflict management, change management, healthy boundaries, stress management, healthy congregations, and more. The author has suffered from many of the codependent behaviors of church leadership he describes in this manuscript. For eight years he worked at the Church Renewal Center, a specialized treatment program at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, designed exclusively for church professionals. Many of the people he worked with had problems that stemmed from their codependence. His D. Min. project was on stress management and spiritual wellness. He continues to expand his ministry as the founder and manager of Renewal Ministries LLC.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Fortress Press; 1 edition (December 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800637631
• ISBN-13: 978-0800637637
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,050,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clergy Burnout tells it like it really is!, December 13, 2005

By 

Jonathan Franklin "Jon" (Harrisburg, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clergy Burnout: Recovering From The 70 Hour Week... and Other Self-Defeating Practices (Prism Series) (Paperback)

Clergy, laity and oversight officials alike had better read this text from Dr. Fred Lehr. In over thirty years of parish, hospital chaplaincy, and office counseling work, I have not ever read or heard of such a clear and honest view of the impossible profession of parish ministry.

Dr. Lehr integrates clinical data, theory and story from himself and other ordained clergy in such a clear and concise way, it is no wonder several graduate seminaries are making Clergy Burnout required reading.

The theory section is strengthened with special references to systems theory, adiction models and Myers-Briggs type indicators, Dr. Lehr brings considerable experience in parish ministry, the special healing ministry of the Church Renewal Center into an easily read thesus on the need for healing in the role of parish ministry. All clergy will appreciate the careful and honest use Dr. Lehr makes of personal experience to illustrate the hold co-dependence makes upon the clergy.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy to Digest, April 9, 2011

By 

Dr. Terry W. Dorsett "Author of Developing Le... (Barre, Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clergy Burnout: Recovering From The 70 Hour Week... and Other Self-Defeating Practices (Prism Series) (Paperback)

Fred Lehr has written an excellent book on clergy burnout. He points out that "Virtually everyone has experienced burnout relative to something in his or her life at one time or another." (page 10). Though ministry can be a very fulfilling career, it can also lead to burn out if the minister does not take care of his own emotional well-being, especially if he becomes co-dependent with his congregation.

One of the saddest quotes in the book is found on page 29. Lehr says, "When clergy tell stories of discontent and frustration, yearn for the day they can retire and report that practicing the work of God has lowered their self-esteem - then something is dramatically wrong." I have met many pastors who have felt the way Lehr describes. It is sad, but it can be avoided if the pastor is emotionally healthy.

But when pastors try to regain their balance and become more emotionally healthy, churches do not always make it easy. Lehr warns his readers that "Congregations that are caught in the cycle of codependency will attempt to punish clergy who attempt to make this move by various methods of showing their displeasure, such as minimal or no pay raises. Codependent congregations will not rush to your side and defend your noble cause." (page 39). Many pastors have learned this first hand. They either continue to suffer in silence, or move to a new congregation, hoping it will be better. Often, it is not.

This co-dependence can lead to depression. But "Depressed clergy are not effective clergy." (page 45).

But when a pastor can manage to regain his balance, then he can recover from burn out. "One of the key elements in recovering from burnout and codependency is to regain balance in one's life." (page 83).

One way a pastor can regain his balance is learn the art of detachment. "A key word in recovery from co-dependence is to detach." (page 122). This does not imply that a pastor does not care about his congregation. It simply means that he does not take on responsibilities that are not his to bear.

This is a great book to read for both pastors and lay leaders in the church. It can help them learn to have a healthier relationship with each other.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clergy Burnout: Practical Wisdom for Clergy, February 5, 2006

By 

Charlotte Eliopoulos - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clergy Burnout: Recovering From The 70 Hour Week... and Other Self-Defeating Practices (Prism Series) (Paperback)

In this little gem of a book, Rev. Lehr realistically addresses the challenges facing clergy in today's churches that can easily lead to burnout. The author openly discusses issues that often are skirted around in some congregational settings, such as congregations' tendency to expect clergy to be available 24/7 and to provide insufficient bodies to get the work done. Practical advice is provided on good self-care practices that can aid clergy in regaining balance and self-control. This book has valuable information for clergy and others who work in ministry.
Charlotte Eliopoulos
Editor, Health Ministry Journal