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The Weight and Witness of Christian Ministry Leadership Experiences
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DOI：10.1007/s11089-026-01323-w.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Pastoral ministry is identified as one of the most stressful of the helping professions, yet only limited research has examined how ministry leaders experience and navigate emotional and spiritual challenges within their vocational roles. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of seven seasoned Christian denominational leaders with 18-33 years of ministry service. Data were collected through two rounds of semi-structured interviews and analyzed using van Manen's hermeneutic circle and collaborative coding. Eight universal themes emerged: Emotional and Spiritual Exhaustion, Boundary Challenges, Isolation and Loneliness, Family Strain, Leadership Pressures, Grief and Trauma Exposure, Resilience and Coping Practices, and Spiritual Relationship and Surrender. Member checking confirmed that findings resonated with participants' experiences, enhancing credibility and trustworthiness. Findings affirm existing literature and offer new insights into the complex realities of ripple effects on family systems and the centrality of spiritual intimacy. Implications are provided for counseling, counselor education, and pastoral training, emphasizing trauma-informed care, systemic awareness, and vocationally attuned support.
Keywords:
Christian ministry
Leadership
Grief
Resilience
Trauma
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