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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to observe, record, and analyze the ministries of a number of experienced and demonstratedly successful clergy involved in full-time parochial ministries in order to identify coping and intervention techniques that would mediate the burnout process.
A pilot study was undertaken, and is included in this study, to answer two questions: (1) could the researcher observe clergy in an unobtrusive as well as critical and investigative manner without disturbing the natural day to day professional and personal activities of the subjects? and (2) would there be a difference in the researcher's ability to conduct such observation research with clergy from denominations other than his own--Episcopalian? The pilot study clarified problems associated with the observation of clergy in their professional and work settings.
The dissertation study involved extensive and intense on-site observations of nine clergy randomly selected from among active Episcopal clergy on the basis of age and years of experience. The study also included interviews with three bishops of the Episcopal church, randomly selected from dioceses that did not include any of the nine clergy.
The study took place over a fifteen month period and involved the researcher residing at each site for periods of time ranging from ten days to three weeks. Data were gathered through formal taped interviews and informal conversations with each subject as well as informal conversations with members of the congregation and where possible with members of the clergy family. Significant data were gathered through observation of each subject in his professional and personal contacts with not only members of the congregation and community but also with peers and family members.
The data from observations concerning clergy stress as it relates to the burnout process is described without reference to either site or subject under fourteen broad areas of observed and expressed concern that cut across sites and subjects.
The conclusion of the study is that the nine clergy subjects have, to varying degrees, successfully dealt with the realities of burnout and have done so either knowingly or unknowingly through a variety of techniques that have mediated the burnout process in both their professional and personal lives.
