Religious leaders carry an immense responsibility in guiding their congregations, provided emotional and spiritual care, and responding to the many crises of others. While seen as a privilege to do so, there is a lack of understanding and recognition of the toll such a calling can take. Studies have shown that full-time ministry work can match of exceed the stress levels of other high-risk professions. Professions such as, law enforcement, emergency response, and even mental health professionals. Behind the pulpit, many pastors wrestle with symptoms of burnout, compassionate fatigue, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Trauma in Religious Leaders
Recent research has began examining and comparing the mental health of clergy to other high-risk occupations. The Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure symptoms of PTSD. A score of 22 or higher indicates clinical concern and further evaluation. One study found that when assessed, Firefighters averaged a score of 17.8, police officers 21.3, and cancer survivors 15.0. Religious leaders scored an average of 24.4, with over 40% meeting the threshold for clinical concern for PTSD. These findings highlight that those in ministry – thought not always first responders – often act as emotional first responders in times of tragedy, grief, and crisis.
Frequent exposure to the trauma of others can lead to secondary traumatic stress or vicarious trauma (Hotchkiss & Leser, 2018). While many clergy are exposed to and experience traumatic stress themselves, many also develop a sense of resilience through faith and service. But, the emotional cost of caring for others is real. Repeated exposure without proper support or boundaries increases vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Personal and Professional Risk Factors
A large portion of research points to individual risk factors such as age, gender, and education level (Hydinger, 2024). Younger ministers, women in ministry, and those with lower levels of formal education often report higher levels of distress and burnout. Personality traits such as people-pleasing, performance-based self-worth, and blurred boundaries between personal and professional life also heighten the risk. In addition, clergy often face unrealistic expectations – 24/7 availability, criticism of their own families, and navigating conflict within congregations or denominational networks. These pressures create a perfect storm for emotional exhaustion and chronic stress, especially for those serving in rural or isolated communities or those shunned from denominational networks.
The Spiritual Dimension of Trauma
Beyond psychological and social stressors, trauma in religious leaders also has a spiritual component. Many struggle with feelings of distance from God or questioning their own faith amidst burnout and pain (Hydinger, 2024). This spiritual dissonance can compound emotional suffering, leading to shame or a sense of personal failure and isolation. The number of hours spent ministering to traumatized individuals or responding to crises correlates strongly with secondary traumatic stress.
The Path Forward: Healing and Support
Addressing clergy trauma requires the care of a culturally responsive and spiritually integrated clinician and support system. Faith-sensitive mental-health intervention help ministers process trauma without compromising their theological identity. Nurturing marital relationships, investing in the enjoyment of family, friend and co-worker relationships, depth in their own personal relationship with God, and an ongoing awareness of God’s grace can promote emotional recovery. Engaging in regular supervision and participating in therapy grounded in spiritual values can reduce the sense of isolation experienced by many clergy.
Clergy burnout and PTSD are not signs of weakness – they are symptoms of sustained exposure to human pain without sufficient recovery. As the church continues to prioritize emotional wellness, providing mental health support for pastors and religious leaders must become part of the ministry itself. Healing begins when those who serve others are finally given permission to seek help for themselves.
