Causes Of Burnout Among Pastors & Theology Research Proposal (Research Proposal Sample)

ELDORET BIBLE COLLEGE
TOPIC: CAUSES OF BURNOUT AMONG PASTORS
RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF THEOLOGY,
JUNE 2020
Abstract
Pastor’s burnout is an ongoing concern; as such, it is important to identify the causes of this phenomenon. Researchers have already demonstrated that internal factors such as personality types, personal mastery, or conflict management and external factors such as role conflict, excessive activities, or unrealistic expectations, can lead to burnout.
The problem that led to this study was that more exploration is needed about pastor’s perceptions on leadership and burnout within the church. The purpose of this study is to explore pastors within the Pentecostal Communion in Kenya; Mt. EIgon region to discover their perceptions about leadership and burnout within the church.
The conceptual framework was shaped by the great man theory of leadership and Maslach’s burnout theory. The central research question for this study focused on pastor’s perceptions about leadership and burnout within the church. Data were collected using face-to-face semi structured interviews with 23 pastors who are currently leading and experiencing burnout. Data collected included transcribed interviews, field notes, and observations. Data were hand-coded to find key concepts and themes. Two themes that emerged from the data were leadership is understood as hierarchical and leadership is understood as the work of solo actors, which were consistent with the great man theory of leadership.
The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the factors that lead to pastors’ burnout. The results of this study will address a gap in literature and may result in positive social change for both pastors and church congregants because the results can be used to come up with solutions for burnout.
Dedication
This dissertation is dedicated to my wife, and my children, who were great supporters in the process and extended grace through the long task.
Acknowledgments
The completion of the research process cannot be done alone. I would therefore like to thank those who contributed significantly toward this achievement. First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to my family, who bore my anxiety, stress, and diminished presence for the time it took to bring this to completion.
I want to also acknowledge the Eldoret Bible College community, for providing significant support through the days of course work and the research process.
I also want to acknowledge the administration police community, with whom I work on a daily basis, for their encouragement and support through this process.
Table of Contents
List of Tables .......................................................................................................................
Chapter 1:
1.0 Introduction to the Study....................................................................................
1.1Background of the Study .............................................................................................. 1.2Problem Statement........................................................................................................ 1.3Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................................... 1.4Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................
2.0 The basic terms used In research
2.1 Definitions................................................................................................................... Assumptions.................................................................................................................
Scope and Delimitations............................................................................................
Limitations.................................................................................................................. Significance of the Study............................................................................................ Significance to Practice......................................................................................... Significance to Theory.......................................................................................... Significance to Social Change ..............................................................................
Summary and Transition.............................................................................................. Chapter 2: Literature Review............................................................................................ Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................ Conceptual Framework................................................................................................
Review of the Literature ..............................................................................................
ii General Burnout................................................................................................
Burnout and Clergy...............................................................................................
Great Man Theory.................................................................................................
Leadership Theory and the Church.......................................................................
Clergy as an Individual.........................................................................................
Clergy in Hierarchical Structures..........................................................................
Summary and Conclusions .......................................................................................... Chapter 3: Research Method........................................................................................... Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................
Role of the Researcher................................................................................................. Methodology............................................................................................................... Participant Selection Logic................................................................................... Instrumentation ...................................................................................................
Pilot Study...........................................................................................................
Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection........................
Data Analysis Plan..............................................................................................
Issues of Trustworthiness...................................................................................
Credibility ........................................................................................................... Transferability..................................................................................................... Dependability ......................................................................................................
Ethical Procedures .............................................................................................. Summary.................................................................................................................
Chapter 4:
Results............................................................................................................
Research Setting.........................................................................................................
Demographics............................................................................................................
Data Collection ..........................................................................................................
Data Analysis............................................................................................................. Evidence of Trustworthiness...................................................................................... Credibility ........................................................................................................... Transferability..................................................................................................... Dependability...................................................................................................... Confirmability.....................................................................................................
Study Results .....................................................................................................
Result Tables.....................................................................................................
Theme 1: Leadership as Hierarchical .................................................................
Theme 2: Leadership as Empowering.................................................................
Theme 3: Leadership as a Solo Actor.................................................................
Theme 4: Leadership Shaped by Divine Image..................................................
Theme 5: Leader...