Preachers, teachers under pressure

Many of us fail to understand the tremendous stress placed on two types of professionals – the preacher and the teacher. These professions have a great deal in common, mainly the expectation of change.

The teacher is expected to produce educational development in a child. Since free public school is one of the cornerstones of our society, it is often taken for granted. Many parents simply enroll a child in school at the appropriate age and sit back and wait for expected results. During the school years their involvement in the educational process is nil as they give little consideration to parental cooperation and the supervision of homework and have little sympathy or understanding for the teacher with a class of varying aptitudes, intelligence and motivation. But they are quick to blame the teacher if the results are not as expected.

The preacher is expected to affect his flock and effect a change for the better. When the inevitable stray sheep wanders, the blame is laid on the minister. Church members expect preachers to be “all things” to their flock, to be a spiritual role model and to be available at all times.

Both professions have a high incidence of burnout. Those of us in professions outside of teaching and religion generally have little understanding of the pressures and stresses encountered by them.

Let me list a few:

Low pay and high expectations.
Long hours – longer than most people realize.
Multiple pressures from those they serve: families, governmental agencies and the media.
Armchair “authorities,” those outside the profession who are perfectly willing to offer their opinions from afar.
Financial stresses from sources outside their professional control. Teachers, in particular, have pressure applied from local, state and federal agencies.
Family pressures. Families and teachers and preachers are supposed to be immune to problems or have instant solutions should they occur. Ministers’ wives are expected to serve as counselors, social workers and even backup ministers. Ministers’ families live in a “fish bowl.” How many preachers’ kids feel pressure to live up to a standard expected by the congregation?

Is help available for these two professions? Yes, support groups have developed to help them cope with stress. Although professional seminars, workshops and self-help groups are offered, the number is less than adequate to reduce the depression, anxiety, disillusionment and apathy that is rampant.

Without a fresh look at the stresses, pressures and realities of these professions, we may find ourselves with a dwindling number of individuals electing to enter those fields.

We can support our local PTA, participate in church committees and adopt an attitude of shared support so these groups can perform their societal roles and functions. Neglecting these two important areas in the American way of life will produce disastrous results and place stress on society as a whole.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1986