Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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

Probably the best single source on the subject. Maybe too much concentration on codependence, although probably a huge factor.

I much rather prefer Dr. Richard Swenson's Margin Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives.

Loving the sinner to repentance for the Kingdom of God is the calling of all of us in ministry; however, the author of this book clearly supports even the most perverse of sexual abberations and cannot be relied upon for advice on spiritual matters for those called to spiritual and holy calling in ministry of God's Love AND TRUTH. I prefer the great book "Margin" by Dr. Richard Swenson from a man who is not only medically trained but also does not give up the rights of holy spiritually in favor of the fad of the day as this author unfortunately does. May God guide the author back to repentance to Truth and Love as the calling of all of us in "ministry" of Christ to all sinners who are in desperate need of God's Love as we all cry out "I am the chief of sinners LORD, Have Mercy on me" in our burnout phases and restore me to the Joy of my Salvation unto the fullness of Your Grace and Love. And may we all find the Joy and Love available to those of us who abide in our calling to Holy Love.