Pastors' Experiences of Burnout and Resilience: A Phenomenological Study of Local and Diaspora Ministry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59002/jtp.v6i1.226Keywords:
pastoral burnout, pastoral resilience, pastoral theology, phenomenological-hermeneutic, diaspora ministryAbstract
This study aims to understand the experience of burnout and the development of resilience among pastors within local and diaspora ministry contexts, and to formulate a preliminary conceptual framework integrating Pastoral Theology and psychology. A qualitative approach utilizing a phenomenological-hermeneutic design was employed, involving three pastors serving in Ende, Singapore, and Hong Kong, alongside a Catholic priest as a comparative informant. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed via comprehensive reading, identification of meaning units, coding, theme development for each case, cross-case analysis, and hermeneutic interpretation linking experience, ministry context, and theological meaning. The findings reveal that burnout is a multidimensional pastoral issue affecting physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being, as well as the quality of pastoral presence. The manifestations of burnout vary according to the ministry context, while resilience develops through the interplay of theological, psychological, relational, and organizational resources. The study’s novelty lies in its comparative analysis of Indonesian pastors' experiences across local and diaspora settings and the formulation of a preliminary conceptual framework for contextual pastoral resilience. It contributes to the development of Pastoral Theology in Indonesia by framing burnout recovery as a process of restoring identity, relationships, the meaning of one's calling, and sustainable patterns of ministry.
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