The Complexity of Assessing Ministry-Specific Satisfaction and Stress

Abstract

Christian ministry work can be gratifying, but it also carries a risk of burnout. Despite research documenting clergy stress and wellness, few questionnaires measure ministry life aspects that contribute to clergy burnout or wellness. To fill this gap, we developed the positive aspects (PAI) and negative aspects (NAI) inventories. These questionnaires measure the intensity and frequency of positive and negative aspects of ministry life. The present research further tests the viability of the PAI and NAI. Confirmatory factor analyses suggest that the PAI is best represented by 17 factors, whereas 12 factors best characterize the NAI. Importantly, correlation patterns between PAI and NAI scores and indices of burnout suggest distinct patterns of burnout. Furthermore, exploratory tests of PAI and NAI scores by gender, ordination status, and years in ministry demonstrated crucial differences. This research advances the understanding of clergy wellness and has implications for assessment and intervention.