Program
Doctor of Ministry
Number of Pages
217
Year Approved
2026
First Advisor
Joshua Carroll
Second Reader
Jeanine Parolini
Third Reader
Kate Scorgie
Abstract
This Doctor of Ministry project examines the relationship between a proactive prayer life and pastoral burnout among senior pastors in Converge North Central churches. Addressing the increasing prevalence of burnout in vocational ministry, the study reframes burnout as a fundamentally theological issue rather than merely a psychological or organizational problem. Drawing on the work of Ray Anderson and others, the project argues that burnout reflects a misalignment between a pastor’s lived theology—particularly in identity, calling, and dependence on God—and the realities of ministry practice. The research integrates biblical-theological reflection, a review of contemporary literature, and quantitative field research through a survey of Converge North Central pastors. The biblical analysis focuses on key moments in the prayer life of Jesus in Luke 6, 9, and 22, demonstrating how prayer functioned as a formative practice shaping his relationships, identity, and mission. Findings indicate that while pastors affirm the importance of prayer, a gap often exists between conviction and consistent practice. Statistical analysis highlights significant relationships between emotional and relational health and burnout, while frequency of prayer alone shows limited direct correlation. Qualitative responses suggest that prayer functions primarily as a formative practice shaping identity and relational capacity. The project concludes that a proactive prayer life, modeled after Jesus, offers a theologically grounded framework for addressing burnout by reorienting pastoral identity and sustaining ministry through ongoing communion with God.
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry
Document Type
Doctoral thesis
Recommended Citation
Hinrichs, S. W. (2026). Pastors in Crisis: A Proactive Prayer Life as a Measure Against Pastoral Burnout [Doctoral thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1243
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