Clergy Burnout: Recovering from the 70-Hour Week...and Other Self-Defeating Practices

By Fred Lehr

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800637631
• ISBN13: 9780800637637
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

burnout

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

Clergy Burnout: Practical Wisdom for Clergy

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

Clergy Burnout tells it like it really is!

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.