Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

First Advisor

Christopher Rappazini, PhD

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how large church ministry leaders experienced burnout and how that burnout shaped their leadership practices. The study was motivated by a research gap concerning the lived experiences of ministers in large churches. Framed by the job demands-resources theory and the conservation of resources theory, the study sought to understand how the demands of ministry leadership and the availability of personal and organizational resources influenced the experience of burnout. The research employed a qualitative phenomenological design, utilizing semi-structured interviews. A purposive and snowball sampling approach was used to recruit 13 large US church ministry leaders. The study employed Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis to identify eight themes, with participants reporting functional strain, role overload, diminished capacity, and emotional resilience as consequences of burnout, leading to emotional detachment, decision fatigue, and a reduced ability to engage with their work, which in turn caused self-doubt and isolation. In response to these challenges, leaders employed various coping strategies, including being transparent and setting boundaries, engaging in exercise and counseling, and relying on knowledge and skills gained through experience and education. The findings highlighted the long-term personal and role-related consequences of sustained burnout. A supportive organizational culture and proactive, intentional coping strategies can act as vital resources. Practice recommendations include emphasizing spiritual stewardship and well-being, reassessing church management policies, and fostering a culture of clarity and rest to support church leaders. Future research should explore burnout in all denominations and church sizes and investigate its effects on church organizations.

Download

Share

COinS