CALL FOR PAPERS: “Pastoral Overwork”

Abstracts are invited for a proposed collection of essays addressing pastoral overwork (referred to as “workaholism” by the pioneering pastor-scholar Wayne Oates in his 1971 book, Confessions of a Workaholic: The Facts about Work Addiction) as a form of idolatry. Many pastors in America fall victim to this distorted thought and practice, which church and secular culture often explicitly and implicitly encourage. This alarming reality is at least partly due to pastors defining themselves and their calling by dominant societal values rather than by God, as revealed in Scripture. As a gift to the Church, a corrective model for reforming the pastoral vocation is needed, and these essays will contribute to that void. The intended audience is pastors alongside those interested in the inner-workings of the pastoral call and church leadership.

Creativity is highly encouraged. Above all else, authentic, well-written, compelling essays are sought that comment on the multifaceted nature of pastoral overwork: how it begins (i.e., one’s formative family dynamics, unaddressed pride or fear, etc.) and flourishes, and suggestions for its reform. Regarding the temptation to overwork, pastors need help learning how to set and maintain healthy boundaries that guard them from making ministry their mistress, so sobering rebuke, encouragement, and other thoughtfully substantive essays are needed.

While a Bible study is not the desired outcome, Scripture should be employed throughout, whether in broader, thematic terms or intensely. Interdisciplinary contributions are welcome. Rooted in the field of pastoral theology/leadership, this book length project will embody an evangelical or theologically orthodox perspective. Please prayerfully consider if this is a right fit for you or your colleagues.

An abstract of no more than 500 words along with a tentative title and C.V. is needed by May 15, 2018 for those interested. Authors will be informed soon thereafter if their proposal has been selected to move forward in the process. The completed essay will be due September 15, 2018.

Abstracts and inquiries should be sent in Word format to Rev. James Ellis III, who will serve as the project’s editor: ellis@hope.edu