One cause of clergy burnout that I think is particularly significant, and widespread, is this one: “Because of perfectionistic expectations, denial, pride, and fear of telling anyone about their real weaknesses, failures, fears, stresses, and discouragements, pastors are some of the least likely to seek help – from counselors, doctors, friends, co-workers, or even from ministries like PastorCare.” As a pastor, I know that no matter how I really felt about how things were going, I wanted my parishioners as well as my colleagues to see me as confident and competent, able to handle whatever challenges came my way. There were very few people that I was close enough to and trusted enough to share my personal struggles and feelings of inadequacy. Usually, I felt the need to keep my own emotions (especially sadness or anger) in check, and always be the calm, cool professional with an enlightened spiritual perspective on every issue.

I’d really like to know what you think. Do you believe that each item affects every pastor at some point, to some degree? If not, what makes some pastors able to avoid a particular risk factor, or handle it better than others? Of the many causes listed, which ones do you think are the most significant stressors that can lead to clergy burnout? Are there others you can think of that are not listed? Most importantly, how do you cope with those stressors and what could other pastors, church members, and denominational officials do to help support you when you are feeling overwhelmed?

I realize that most of you reading this probably work in church offices, but I’m curious as to whether you have noticed or heard from church members anything about increased spirituality in other work settings. My experience has been just the opposite: not only is faith not discussed at work, to avoid controversy or the possibility of offending someone of a different faith or a non-believer, it is often viewed as a liability.

Whenever I have interviewed for a job, I have specified that I am available to work any day or evening except Sunday, because of church. I have repeatedly been told that is not good enough, that the employer needs someone who is available whenever needed, and that as a new hire I would be expected to work on Sundays. Other friends of mine regularly miss worship because they are working on Sunday mornings. Restaurants, stores, and tourist attractions are all open seven days a week here, and many are open 365 days a year. I have worked on both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, among other holidays.

In theory, it is illegal in the U.S. to discriminate on the basis of religion; in reality, especially in difficult economic times when there are many people looking for work and fewer people hiring, employers can simply choose not to hire someone who refuses to work on religious holidays and claim some other basis for their decision if it is questioned.

I do not agree with those who find it offensive that businesses say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas,” or that nativity scenes are either not allowed in public places or are placed alongside menorahs or symbols of other faiths. Christianity should not be the official or preferred religion in a country that claims to value freedom of religion, but neither should it be denigrated or its adherents have to choose between attending worship services and getting or keeping a job.

What do you think? Is faith encouraged in the workplace, ignored, or seen in a negative light? Have you, or has anyone you know, had to miss worship due to their work schedule? Is it reasonable for employers to expect employees to be willing to do so? Why or why not?