Drowning for Jesus: Compassion Fatigue in Ministry

by Jeff Hoppe; Kathy Hoppe; Bill Buker

Publisher:

Resource Publications

, 2020

Overview

While there are many books that address burnout in ministry, there are few that speak to compassion fatigue. The book is divided into three parts. Part I, “The Beckoning Sea,” explains the perils of ministry, the church as a family system, the difference between burnout and compassion fatigue, and risk factors for ministry leaders. In Part II, “Finding Your Stroke,” the authors offer prevention advice for burnout, compassion fatigue, and managing church systems. Part III, “The Rescue,” discusses the process of recovery beginning with rest and retreat, and the minister’s renewed calling. The authors explain how intentionality, building resiliency, and finding connection bring healing. A chapter is dedicated to clergy families. Using the analogy of ocean swimming and the story of Jonah, a reluctant preacher, the authors weave a common theme through the narrative offering education, understanding, and hope while sharing the stories of ministry leaders who have survived the turbulent waters of pastoral caregiving.

Praise for Drowning for Jesus

“Kathy and Jeff Hoppe have penned a biblically based book, paired with current social science research, for a highly engaging read about compassion fatigue in ministry. Pastors, church staff, chaplains, and counselors will find this monograph insightful and practical in its offerings. I encourage you to ‘dive in’ and read it.”

—Gerry Hutchinson, retired Captain and Chief of Chaplains, United States Navy Reserve



“This volume presents the risks of religious work due to problems in ministry and faulty survival skills, discusses ways to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue, and helps readers reexamine their calling and learn to survive well in religious systems. As a former seminary dean, I understand the challenges seminaries face to prepare students for the real world of ministry and hope Drowning for Jesus will become a resource for seminarians as it will be for professional clergy.”

—Thomson K. Mathew, Professor Emeritus and former Dean, College of Theology and Ministry, Oral Roberts University



“Kathy and Jeff Hoppe have spent their professional lives helping students and clergy understand and recover from compassion fatigue. In Drowning for Jesus, they offer their years of experience and hope to everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who works in a helping profession.”

—Jeremy Skaggs, Senior Minister, The Welcome Table Christian Church

Product Details

• Title: Drowning for Jesus: Compassion Fatigue in Ministry
• Authors: Jeff Hoppe, Kathy Hoppe, Bill Buker
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Print Publication Date: 2020
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Pages: 150
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781725281646, 9781725281622, 1725281627, 9781725281639, 1725281635, 1725281643
• Resource ID: LLS:9781725281646
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T17:31:31Z

About the Authors

Jeff Hoppe is a certified pastoral educator at the Jack C. Montgomery Veterans Administration Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and a chaplain. Kathy Hoppe is a licensed marital and family therapist, certified compassion fatigue professional, and adjunct faculty member at Grand Canyon University. Jeff and Kathy have dedicated their lives to the education and mentoring of ministry leaders. They are coauthors of Discovery Teaching Like Jesus: Engaging Adult Learners.