Feeding the shepherd : an integrational approach to Pastor Pastorum

Abstract

The ministerial praxis is perhaps one of the most stressful working environments. Its full-time practitioner, the pastor, suffers from it. The phenomenon of stress, burnout and compassion fatigue, referred to in this study under an umbrella term of ministerial fatigue, is explored. The effect of ministerial fatigue on a pastor’s health and spiritual life is addressed. Pastors need to be taken care of pastorally, a practice known as pastor pastorum. Biblical narratives from the salvation histories were consulted to construct a well-balanced ministerial praxis by managing ministerial fatigue. Three prominent figures are discussed, namely Moses, Jesus and Paul. This study proposes a self-care, integrational approach to pastor pastorum, whereby a fatigued pastor manages ministerial fatigue through a process of self-care and the integration of current and biblical therapeutic interventions. The following objectives form the structure according to which the aim of the study is pursued: • To discuss current imbalances of ministerial praxis that lead to ministerial fatigue. • To critically evaluate current practices of pastor pastorum. • To construct a theological framework for a balanced ministerial practice. • To design an integrational approach to pastor pastorum.