A quick Google search for “ministry burnout” will reveal a long list of articles that include bleak statistics and multiple lists that will help people in ministry avoid burnout.
While most perspectives out there are set to vilify the church for causing ministry burnout I’d like to throw out a less popular option to consider. I understand some will consider this harsh, but I’d encourage you to really think this next statement through before you dismiss it.
“Ministry burnout is self-induced.”
- No one is responsible for how you spend your time but you
- No one is responsible for the depth of your friendship with Jesus but you
- No one is responsible for the rhythm of your rest and work but you
- No one is responsible for how you respond to pressure but you
- No one is responsible for how lonely you feel but you
- No one is responsible to say “no” for you other than you
Taking personal responsibility for the health of your own soul and rhythm of your life may be the first and best step you can take to avoid ministry burnout.
Interested in learning more about Ministry Burnout? Check out these helpful articles:
Posted in Leadership, Spiritual Formation
This seems to give churches who create a toxic workplace culture a pass. I think that pastors have to take responsibility for themselves but the church should also bear responsibility for their part. Charles Wickman, author of the book PASTORS AT RISK, says that the church is partly responsible for all pastoral burnout because they are not properly caring for their pastor. Instead of saying “it’s all on you,” why don’t we say “bear one another’s burdens?”