STRESS AMONG 21ST CENTURY NIGERIAN CHURCH LEADERS: CAUSES AND MANAGEMENT

Resumen

The 21 century church has not only witnessed the emergence of great church leaders who are st actively involved in the proclamation of the word of God for the salvationof humanity but also the sudden demise of most of such church leaders to eternity as a result of sickness and other natural occurrences. The abrupt death of mostchurch leadershas arouseddoubts among many critics on the sovereignty of God on his servants which has also necessitated question such as why should peopleinvolved in carrying out divine mandate die suddenly? Against thisbackdrop, this paper centres on stress among 21 century church leaders: causes and st management. The paper employs a phenomenological method and reveals the factors that impacted church leaders stress status to include long working hours, lack of finance, inadequate rest, relaxation and exercise, lack of control of work schedule and poor eating habits resulting in frustration, anxiety and burnout. The paper maintains that while stress among church leaders is inevitable due to their indispensablerole in the family, church and society, the adverseresultcan be evadedif efficient coping mechanisms such as healthy support system, good attitude, healthy eating, rest and relaxation is initiated and maintained. The paper recommends that church leaders should be encouraged to have annual vacations with their family with mandatory change of environment in order to invigorate and rejuvenate. Annual retreats when organized should not be packed just with spiritual contentsonly but be made to minister to the total man. Churches should prioritize clergy mental health by providing adequate support in order to prevent a burnout and mass resignation.