Manipur Theological College

Mission Compound, Kangpokpi-795129

Introduction
Christian ministers are often perceived primarily as caregivers guiding, nurturing, and
supporting their congregations through various spiritual, emotional, and social challenges.
However, in fulfilling their pastoral duties, they, too, require care and support. Ministers are
not exempt from the struggles and limitations of human existence, yet they frequently find
themselves pressured to maintain an image of unwavering strength and perfection. This
expectation can lead to the development of the superhuman syndrome, where ministers push
themselves beyond their limits, striving to meet unrealistic expectations. Over time, such
pressures can result in burnout syndrome, a state of emotional, mental, and physical
exhaustion that affects their effectiveness and well-being.
Recognizing ministers as care-receivers is crucial for fostering a sustainable and healthy
ministry. They need to acknowledge their own limitations, seek support from family, friends,
and fellow ministers, and develop a balanced approach to work and personal well-being. This
study explores the causes of superhuman syndrome and burnout syndrome, as well as
practical ways to overcome them. By addressing these challenges, ministers can cultivate a
more fulfilling and enduring service to God and their communities.
Definition of Super-human
The superhuman syndrome is defined by an insatiable desire to be the best at everything.
These people have impossible expectations of themselves and experience enormous guilt or
humiliation if they fall short. They may take on several obligations and commitments,
juggling diverse positions and tasks continually in order to preserve the appearance of
being superhuman. Individuals suffering from the superhuman syndrome are under intense
pressure to excel in all aspects of their lives. They seek perfection in their employment,
relationships, and personal interests, frequently at the expense of their own well-being. 1
Causes of super-human
There are various causes of superhuman syndrome, however we will be dealing with three,
the following are the causes of superhuman syndrome: 1. Congregational expectation:
Christian ministers are often in a pressure due to high congregational expectations to perform
more and this expectation leads to the development of superhuman syndrome. 2.
Perfectionism: Perfectionism can exaggerate the superhuman syndrome. Christian ministers

1
Abby Blasius, “Unmasking the superhuman Syndrome: Understanding Imposter Syndrome Type,”
htpp://medium.com (30/1/24)

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who believe that anything less than perfection is unacceptable may push themselves beyond
their capabilities. The fear of failure and rejection can be a significant trigger for the
superhuman syndrome. They may believe that they will be rejected or thought unworthy if
they are not perfect.2 3. Erroneous theology: Christian ministers often believe that God's
servants are not to consider their own needs and wants or at least put them too far down on
the list of priorities. To attend to these, they, would be selfish. In this kind of theology, the
beautiful reality of "dying to self" becomes a matter of killing ourselves.3
Overcoming superhuman syndrome
In order to overcome superhuman syndrome firstly, Christian ministers should recognize self
needs. Like everyone gets tired, frustrated and wounded. Ministers and leaders must
acknowledge their human limitations. They experience fatigue, frustration, and emotional
wounds, so they need rest, renewal, and support from family and friends. It’s important to
examine any difficulty in seeking help. A strong relationship with God should be a priority, as
He is the true source of strength and lasting spiritual fruit (John 15:5). Leaders should also be
open about their struggles, as honesty fosters connection and credibility in ministry. They
must do their best and trust God with the results. Overworking is not sustainable, and even
Jesus taught that His burden is light (Matt. 11:30). Leaders should rest, recognizing that they
are not responsible for saving the world—that is Christ’s role. Finally, accountability is
essential. Trusted individuals can help keep leaders from trying to take on too much,
reminding them to rely on God’s power rather than their own.4
Definition of Burn out
Freudenberger a psychologist who first identify burnout in the 1970s defined burnout as “A
state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by one’s professional life.” In simple terms
burnout means to deplete oneself, to exhaust one’s physical and mental resources, to wear
oneself out by excessively striving to reach some unrealistic expectation imposed by oneself
or by the values of society.5 According to Christina Maslach and Michael Leiter, “Burnout is
not just about being tired; it is about being emotionally depleted to the point where work
loses meaning.” Burnout is a psychological syndrome emerging as a prolonged response to
chronic interpersonal stressors on the job. The three key dimensions of this response are an
overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism and detachment from the job, and a sense of
ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.6
Causes of Burn out
There are various causes of burn out in one’s life. However, here we are dealing with the burn
out causes in a life of a Christian ministers.
The first cause is failure to confess sins, our estrangement from God is the primary source of
all stress in the human life. A Christian ministers, like all Christians, must learn to confess
2
Blasius, “Unmasking the superhuman Syndrome: Understanding Imposter Syndrome Type.”
3
Stephen Lim, “Overcoming the Superhuman Syndrome,” hptt://ministrymagazine.org (30/1/24)
4
Stephen Lim, “Overcoming the Superhuman Syndrome.”
5
Russell J. Weise, Burnout in the Pastoral Ministry: The Need for Clear Boundaries (Saint Louis: Concordia
Seminary, 1993), 20.
6
Christina Maslach and Michael P Leiter, “Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its
implication for psychiatry,” World Psychiatry https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (30/1/24)

2
their constant need and dependent for the grace of Jesus. To think that we can live
independently of our lord and handle stress on our own is the source of even greater stress.
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Ultimately,
burnout is only a symptom of the deeper madly of sin. The secondary causes of burnout
stretch all the way from personal, interpsychic dynamics to the entire context of one's
relationships at home and in the congregation. 7 Moreover, stress is also one of the main
reasons for burnout. Constant levels of stress over a long time-period deplete our reserves.
This might happen because of persistently long working hours or the tiring effect of
prolonged works. Other experiences such as depression and even chronic fatigue results in
burnout.8
The following are predominating elements which work together to incite stress and burnout:
1. Expectations: Poorly communicated, expectations of self, expectations from family, and
from the church, can be overbearing, need to set realistic goals. 2. Endless call to work: long
hours, many demands placed on pastor from family, church etc. 3. Loneliness: Pastors have
an intense deficiency of support, friends, people with whom they can be themselves. There is
very little peer support and encouragement. Friedman maintains that one of the key
characteristics of a congregational emotional system likely to burnout is isolation. 4. Poor
Boundary lines of responsibilities: Christian ministers are not aware of their limits, strength
and weaknesses, constant pressures to do all things. 5. Conflict or disputes: Interpersonal
conflicts within the congregation, among staff members, or with church leadership contribute
to stress and burnout. 6. Spiritual struggles: Struggles with one’s faith, doubts, or feeling
spiritually dry contribute to burnout, especially when trying to minister to others while
feeling disconnected from one’s spiritual life. 7. Self-care neglect: Failure to prioritize self-
care, including rest, relaxation, and activities that bring joy and rejuvenation, leads to
physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion.9
Overcoming and Burnouts
In order to prevent burnout, it is essential to prioritize self-care by maintaining a healthy
lifestyle through proper nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient rest, and engaging in activities
that bring joy and relaxation. Setting clear boundaries is crucial learning to say "no" when
necessary, maintaining a balanced work-life schedule, and taking time off to rest and
recharge. Seeking support from mentors, peers, or a trusted community provides guidance,
encouragement, and a sense of connection, reducing isolation. Focusing on priorities by
aligning responsibilities with personal values and avoiding unnecessary burdens helps
maintain effectiveness without overexertion. Healthy relationships with family, friends, and
colleagues offer emotional support and stability, creating a strong foundation for well-being.
Additionally, regular self-reflection, prayer, meditation, and spiritual nourishment strengthen
inner resilience and provide the clarity needed to continue serving effectively while
maintaining a healthy and balanced life.10

7
Russell J. Weise, Burnout in the Pastoral Ministry: The Need for Clear Boundaries, 109.
8
Christopher Ash, Zeal without Burnout: Seven Keys to a Lifelong Ministry of Sustainable Sacrifice (Epsom:
The Good Book Company, 2016), 88.
9
Russell J. Weise, Burnout in the Pastoral Ministry: The Need for Clear Boundaries, 117-119.
10
“Ministry Burnout: Causes, effects and prevention,”
https://www.ministrybrands.com/church-management/ministry-burnout (2/2/25)

3
Conclusion
Ministers are not only caregivers but also care-receivers who must acknowledge their own
limitations. The superhuman syndrome and burnout syndrome arise from unrealistic
expectations, perfectionism, and prolonged stress, leading to exhaustion and diminished
effectiveness in ministry. To overcome these challenges, ministers need to prioritize self-care,
set healthy boundaries, and seek support from trusted individuals. Jesus Himself
demonstrated the importance of rest and renewal reminding ministers that their strength
ultimately comes from God. By embracing their humanity and relying on God's grace, they
can cultivate a balanced, sustainable, and impactful ministry.

Bibliography
Ash, Christopher Zeal without Burnout: Seven Keys to a Lifelong Ministry of Sustainable
Sacrifice. Epsom: The Good Book Company, 2016.

Weise, Russell J. Burnout in the Pastoral Ministry: The Need for Clear Boundaries. Saint
Louis: Concordia Seminary, 1993.

Webliography
Abby Blasius, “Unmasking the superhuman Syndrome: Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Type,” htpp://medium.com (30/1/24)
Stephen Lim, “Overcoming the Superhuman Syndrome,”
hptt://ministrymagazine.org(30/1/24)

Christina Maslach and Michael P Leiter, “Understanding the burnout experience: Recent
research and its implication for psychiatry,” World Psychiatry https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(30/1/24)

“Ministry Burnout: Causes, effects and prevention,” https://www.ministrybrands.com/church-