Compassion Fatigue

There's a name for everything these days. Who knew?

As I have talked with some pastors lately I have gotten similar responses: "Sounds like a great ministry but I've got more ministry work than I can handle right now. I can't possibly think of adding to what I'm already doing." And this after they have agreed that abortion is affecting those around them in often crippling ways. Is there an epidemic of compassion fatigue (CF) among our ministers and pastors? I'm beginning to wonder.

I encountered my own bout of compassion fatigue back in 2000. What was supposed to be a relatively short sabbatical ended in a full-fledged resignation. I called it burnout at the time, but I think compassion fatigue more aptly fits. And now I'm beginning to recognize similar responses in some of the pastors I've spoken with recently. They're dealing with so many people with so many big problems -- marital discord, divorce, depression, addictions, destructive behaviors, eating disorders, cutting, and the list goes on. The trouble is, these issues can often be the red flags signaling a deeper, more complex root problem such as an unresolved abortion experience. And as we know, one must get to the root of the problem before significant progress is accomplished. Sadly, these pastors are not seeing that significant progress and as a result they are experiencing frustration, losing hope, and some are even becoming cynical -- which in turn sometimes prevents them from pursuing the training they need that will enable them to begin making progress with these people for whom abortion is their core issue. And the vicious cycle of CF continues.

CF is a common malady for those in counseling, pastoring, or caretaking roles. Often, for those dealing with broken people, what they end up with is a sense of hopelessness, anger, frustration, etc., especially when their profession is ministry based. Many times those in ministry find it difficult to draw appropriate boundaries between ministry and home life, often giving of themselves until they are physically, emotionally, and spiritually depleted.

I located a couple of good articles on the topic along with some symptoms. Review the symptoms and be on the lookout for them even with your own pastor or church/ministry leaders. If you see the signs of compassion fatigue, the time to act is now. Help them find the help they need. Pray with them and for them. Do what you can to support, encourage, and facilitate their recovery.