Church ministers often face significant psychological challenges due to the demands of their pastoral duties, including emotional labor, congregational expectations, and administrative responsibilities. This study examines the coping mechanisms employed by church ministers in Nairobi County, Kenya, with an emphasis on their psychological well-being and ministerial performance. Grounded in the Resilience Theory, the research investigates internal and external protective factors that enable ministers to manage stress and maintain their effectiveness in ministry. Using a descriptive research design, the study collected data from a representative sample of 306 church ministers across various denominations. Data collection methods included self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, triangulated with document analysis to enhance reliability and validity. The findings revealed that spiritual practices, such as prayer and meditation, are the most frequently used coping mechanisms, providing both comfort and resilience. Social support from family, peers, and congregational members also emerged as a critical resource for managing stress. Additionally, professional counseling, physical exercise, and engagement in creative hobbies were identified as effective strategies for alleviating psychological distress. The study highlighted the interplay between cultural, social, and religious contexts in shaping coping strategies. For instance, traditional African communal practices blended with Christian rituals were noted as unique approaches to stress management among Kenyan clergy. Demographic factors, such as age, education level, and ministerial roles, influenced the selection and efficacy of coping mechanisms, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions. The research underscores the importance of integrated support systems, including peer mentoring, stress management workshops, and access to mental health resources, to enhance the psychological well-being of church ministers. Recommendations include fostering culturally sensitive resilience-building programs, promoting a balance between personal spirituality and professional counseling, and encouraging physical activities to mitigate stress. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on clergy mental health, providing valuable insights for religious organizations, policymakers, and mental health practitioners. By addressing the unique challenges faced by church ministers in Nairobi County, the research advocates for holistic and context-specific interventions that prioritize the mental health and overall well-being of spiritual leaders, ensuring their sustained effectiveness in their ministerial roles.
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