Dillen, Annemie2017-10-072017-10-072017-08-25Dillen, A., 2017, ‘Beyond a sacrificial spirituality: Enhancing flourishing pastoral ministers’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(4), a4694. https://DOI.org/ 10.4102/hts.v73i4.4694.0259-9422 (print)2072-8050 (online)10.4102/hts.v73i4.4694http://hdl.handle.net/2263/62599Prof. Dr Annemie Dillen is participating in the research project, ‘Gender Studies and Practical Theology Theory Formation’, directed by Prof. Dr Yolanda Dreyer, Department of Practical Theology, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria.This article is an adapted version of an article, published earlier by Annemie Dillen (2011a).This contribution explains the value of self-giving and critically questions the discourse on self-sacrifice in relation to ministerial spirituality. In practice, what others may describe as selfsacrifice may be experienced by a care-giver as an adequate form of self-giving inspired by the Christian vocation, without any praise for one’s own deeds, without any overestimation of the heroic character of one’s own giving. An inherent danger in the concept of self-sacrifice is a closedness to critically assessing the balance of power in one’s own relationships. In this sense, theologians are asked to use the concept self-sacrifice with caution, as the theological language may inspire people, ideas and the general discourse further than intended.en© 2017. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.Self-givingSelf-sacrificeMinisterial spiritualityChristian vocationPastoral ministersTheology articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingTheology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationTheology articles SDG-05SDG-05: Gender equalityTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsArticle