Exploring the impact of stress and burnout on ministerial effectiveness of the apostolic church pastors in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Burnout among pastors has become a growing concern, particularly within faith-based organizations where clergy members often face immense spiritual, emotional, and psychological demands. These herculean tasks result to stress and burnout that impedes the mentally and physical well-being of clerics. To find solution to militating factors, this study assessed the prevalence of burnout among pastors in the church. This study used quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test, control group design involving two treatments and one control group. Multistage sampling process was adopted. Eighty-nine (89) pastors participated in the study. Two instruments were used for the study: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Job Situation Questionnaire (JSQ). Three hypotheses were generated and tested in the study. Results obtained showed a significant difference in the post-treatment burnout scores of pastors after exposure to cognitive restructuring, mutual aid therapy and control condition. It was also found that there is no significant difference in the post-test mean scores on pastors’ burnout among participants based on experimental groups and ministry experience. The findings revealed that exposure to cognitive restructuring and mutual aid therapy was efficacious in ameliorating stress and burnout among clerics. The study recommended the need for periodic mental health assessments, continuous professional development in stress management, mindfulness, peer support, workload delegation and work-life balance among pastors.