2 Thess. 3:13
But, as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. [1]
Compassion fatigue, also known as a Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a term that refers to a gradual lessening of compassion over time. It’s common among victims of trauma and individuals that work directly with victims of trauma. It is also common among caregivers who deal with chronic problems or streams of clients or patients. Medical personal, clergy and charital workers are among the sufferers of compassion fatigue. Sufferers can exhibit several symptoms including hopelessness, a decrease in experiences of pleasure, constant stress and anxiety, and a pervasive negative attitude. It is sometimes considered a lingering type of burnout.
Although I am not aware of any church specific studies, (anecdotally) it has become much more prevelant in the church as national culture has seeped over into church life. Success in culture and the church has become more and more related to doing more, providing more, being more, responding more to every personal and congregational need. Many Christian workers, who have always been energetic and dedicated to family and church, are feeling tired, cynical and lonely.
They become angry, lonely, and isolated. They’re upset that things aren’t like they used to be while at the same time they know things have got to change for effective service to continue. Those things that used to give him satisfaction, especially his personal relationships are strained to the breaking point. Many times even those who have been supportive to him no longer seem to give him the listen ear and satisfaction that they once did. When the church faces a crisis of any kind (moral failure, economic, split) it only compounds the sense of failure and may lead to congregational compassion fatigue.
This type of burn-out can result in a deep physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion accompanied by acute emotional pain. Physicians with compassion fatigue often adapt to their exhaustion by becoming less empathetic and more withdrawn from their patients. Charity workers and volunteer church workers often just quit. If they do stay connected to their church, they drop off committees; become erratic in worship attendance and do not fulfill their normal obligations.
Those obligations just become to heavy a load for them to lift any longer. Professional church workers, (clergy, ministers, pastors) can not just withdraw and so tend to compensate by becoming more and more cynical, have trouble getting along with their co-workers, lack excitement and due the minimum to just get by. They find it difficult to maintain a healthy balance between empathy, objectivity and faith. Congregants become the enemy.
Compassion fatigue has been described it as being sucked into a vortex that pulls you slowly downward. Many in ministry have no idea how to stop the downward spiral, so many simply continue to give and give until a melt-down occurs, or they simply move to another pastorate. Have you ever felt that way? I have, and to be honest with you, I’m struggling with it right now. This article is for me as much as it is for you.
Jesus knew that we humans have a tendency to get ourselves in these situations and gave us the answer in Himself when he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [2] The Apostle Paul gave us this admonition, But, as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”
How can we deal with compassion fatigue?
1. Learn how to care for ourselves.
2. Learn or re-establish lifestyle habits that increase our emotional balance.
· Regular personal devotions
· Utilize the Sabbath principle in your life by taking regular time off for reflection and relaxation.
· Exercise regularly and eliminate junk food.
3. Learn to say “no” to additional requests for time and energy that you do not really possess to give.
4. Spend time with friends and family for fun not work.
5. Work on a hobby or a project you fantasized about doing "when you have time."
Overcoming compassion fatigue means coming to terms with your anger, fear and self-doubt. This requires honest process of self-examination that many find painful. But, remember that as Christians Jesus is not only has the answer, he is the answer. Remember to continue to cultivate your relationship with him and as he renews you continue to serve. Do not grow weary in doing good.
.....Pastor Max
[1] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1996, c1982, S. 2 Th 3:13
[2] The Holy Bible : New International Version. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Mt 11:28-30
But, as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. [1]
Compassion fatigue, also known as a Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a term that refers to a gradual lessening of compassion over time. It’s common among victims of trauma and individuals that work directly with victims of trauma. It is also common among caregivers who deal with chronic problems or streams of clients or patients. Medical personal, clergy and charital workers are among the sufferers of compassion fatigue. Sufferers can exhibit several symptoms including hopelessness, a decrease in experiences of pleasure, constant stress and anxiety, and a pervasive negative attitude. It is sometimes considered a lingering type of burnout.
Although I am not aware of any church specific studies, (anecdotally) it has become much more prevelant in the church as national culture has seeped over into church life. Success in culture and the church has become more and more related to doing more, providing more, being more, responding more to every personal and congregational need. Many Christian workers, who have always been energetic and dedicated to family and church, are feeling tired, cynical and lonely.
They become angry, lonely, and isolated. They’re upset that things aren’t like they used to be while at the same time they know things have got to change for effective service to continue. Those things that used to give him satisfaction, especially his personal relationships are strained to the breaking point. Many times even those who have been supportive to him no longer seem to give him the listen ear and satisfaction that they once did. When the church faces a crisis of any kind (moral failure, economic, split) it only compounds the sense of failure and may lead to congregational compassion fatigue.
This type of burn-out can result in a deep physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion accompanied by acute emotional pain. Physicians with compassion fatigue often adapt to their exhaustion by becoming less empathetic and more withdrawn from their patients. Charity workers and volunteer church workers often just quit. If they do stay connected to their church, they drop off committees; become erratic in worship attendance and do not fulfill their normal obligations.
Those obligations just become to heavy a load for them to lift any longer. Professional church workers, (clergy, ministers, pastors) can not just withdraw and so tend to compensate by becoming more and more cynical, have trouble getting along with their co-workers, lack excitement and due the minimum to just get by. They find it difficult to maintain a healthy balance between empathy, objectivity and faith. Congregants become the enemy.
Compassion fatigue has been described it as being sucked into a vortex that pulls you slowly downward. Many in ministry have no idea how to stop the downward spiral, so many simply continue to give and give until a melt-down occurs, or they simply move to another pastorate. Have you ever felt that way? I have, and to be honest with you, I’m struggling with it right now. This article is for me as much as it is for you.
Jesus knew that we humans have a tendency to get ourselves in these situations and gave us the answer in Himself when he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [2] The Apostle Paul gave us this admonition, But, as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”
How can we deal with compassion fatigue?
1. Learn how to care for ourselves.
2. Learn or re-establish lifestyle habits that increase our emotional balance.
· Regular personal devotions
· Utilize the Sabbath principle in your life by taking regular time off for reflection and relaxation.
· Exercise regularly and eliminate junk food.
3. Learn to say “no” to additional requests for time and energy that you do not really possess to give.
4. Spend time with friends and family for fun not work.
5. Work on a hobby or a project you fantasized about doing "when you have time."
Overcoming compassion fatigue means coming to terms with your anger, fear and self-doubt. This requires honest process of self-examination that many find painful. But, remember that as Christians Jesus is not only has the answer, he is the answer. Remember to continue to cultivate your relationship with him and as he renews you continue to serve. Do not grow weary in doing good.
.....Pastor Max
[1] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1996, c1982, S. 2 Th 3:13
[2] The Holy Bible : New International Version. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Mt 11:28-30
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