Ministry burnout is up 42% according to Barna.com. Read Jim’s story to understand the root causes and gain six practical ways to prevent ministry burnout in your congregation and life.
Marsha rings her husband, Jim, for the 3rd time. No answer. She hovers over the stove, contemplating whether to remove the overcooked roast or keep it warm. It’s eight o’clock. How could he miss another anniversary together after the terrible argument a year ago?
She stares through the kitchen window, hoping to see Jim’s headlights pull into the driveway. The darkness thickens. She tries his phone one more time, and he picks up.
“Jim, where are you?”
“I’m still at the church, honey. I told you we need to finish the setup for the revival this weekend. Everyone left except for Chuck and me.”
“Did you forget what day it is?”
“Of course not. Happy anniversary. Can we celebrate this weekend? I’m completely exhausted.”
“You promised to be here for dinner. Oh, forget it. I gotta go.”
Marsha ends the call as a tear splashes on her phone screen. She walks slowly towards the dining room and blows out the melted candles. She wraps dinner in tin foil and wipes down the kitchen countertops. Her phone rings for the 2nd time. It’s Jim again, but she doesn’t answer. Hunched over, Marsha climbs the stairs to an empty bedroom and turns out the lights.
At the church, Jim frantically hits redial, attempting to reach Marsha.
“Jim, is everything okay?”
“No, Chuck. Marsha is not answering. It’s our anniversary today, and she hung up on me because I’m supposed to be home having a romantic dinner. I don’t blame her because I did this to her last year.”
“Seriously? You’re missing your wedding anniversary for this? Why?”
“It has to get done, doesn’t it?”
“Why didn’t you tell me about your anniversary? I would have brought in a few guys for help. It’s unnecessary for you to be here tonight.”
The success of this revival is my responsibility, similar to the outreach programs I oversee.
“Jim, did you forget who is in charge?”
“No, I am. I’m the ministry leader of the church revivals. Everyone is counting on me, especially Pastor Richard.”
Chuck stands in front of Jim with both hands on his hips.
“Do you hear yourself? I was referring to God being in charge, not you. Let’s take a break.”
Chuck motions Jim to sit beside him on a folding chair neatly lined in rows inside the revival tent.
“Chuck, we need to keep moving.”
“Take it from a 68-year-old widow. You need to stop moving and listen.”
Chuck is Jim’s mentor, and when he speaks firmly like this, Jim takes notice.
“Okay. One quick break.”
“Jim, I will not sugarcoat your situation. I’m familiar with the warning signs and have witnessed many ministry leaders in similar situations, so there’s no time to waste.”
“Sounds serious.”
“Is losing your wife and risking your health serious to you?”
“What? Of course.”
“That’s where you’re headed, my friend, if you stay on this path. From your bloodshot eyes, I fear you’re already in burnout mode. How many hours of sleep are you getting?”
Jim stares at his shoes. “About four if I’m lucky.”
“Do you think that’s sustainable?”
“I don’t know. So far, I’m keeping it up.”
“Have you taken Marsha out on a date lately?”
“No. Once the revival is over, I’ll do it.
“What if it’s too late? She’s not returning your calls, and I bet another project will take priority over your marriage after the revival. Isn’t that the trend?”
“How do you know so much about burnout and my marriage troubles, Chuck? I haven’t shared this with you.”
“Because I’ve been in your shoes during my business career. For decades, I worked like a madman, neglecting my marriage, kids, and health to the point of a nervous breakdown. One week prior to our divorce proceedings, Sandra postponed the inevitable out of pity for my health. It was the wake-up call that saved my marriage and my life.”
“I didn’t know.”
“It’s nothing to brag about, so I only share it with those who are on a similar destructive trajectory.”
“I’m shocked to hear you imply my dedication to ministry work is destructive.”
“You’re wrong. I’m not implying it. You’re taking on too much, and frankly, your priorities are out of whack. I care too much about you and Marsha to let you self-destruct. Don’t you see what’s happening?”
“But I’m doing this for God?”
“Are you, really?”
“Who else?”
“Think about it, Jim. You could be home with your precious wife and delegate these simple tasks, but you are here instead. Why? Be honest.”
“Out of responsibility. After all, this is my ministry.”
“Do believe God wants you to risk your marriage and health for a weekend revival?”
“Are you saying the revival is not important to God?”
“Not at all. I’m saying the revival is not more important than your wife, health, and your relationship with God. Right now, your number one priority is about your accomplishments and what others think of you, like Pastor Richard. Am I wrong?”
Jim pauses, resting his head on his chin. “I never thought about it that way.”
“I understand. I became an expert at making my life’s performance the highest priority. Addicted to the adrenaline rush of big wins, increasing revenue, and hitting our goals. Overcoming fierce obstacles became an obsession. Everyone and everything else became second to those experiences, feeding the gaping hole in my heart. I didn’t realize back then that only God can fill that massive void.”
Jim rubs in forehead. “Wow. You’re right. I’m driven by the accomplishments and justify the time spent due to glorifying God. Honestly, I seek recognition for these accomplishments, so I’m chasing glory. I might be sick.”
Chuck places his hand on Jim’s shoulder. “Take a deep breath. It will be alright. You’re only 29 years old, and it’s not too late for you and Marsha if you act tonight.”
“Tell me. I’ll do anything.”
“You’ve taken the first step, which is awareness. Seek forgiveness and put God as your top priority. Marsha is second to Him and everything else falls in line after them.”
“Okay, Chuck. I can do it, but I’ll need your guidance to change my habits.
“You have my full support. We need to dive deeper into what is causing your overcharged performance driven mindset. Our service to the Lord is crucial, but we must prioritize God in every aspect of life for true harmony.
“I thought burnout only applied to corporate people, like you. I feel the pressure and my brain is frazzled for most of my waking hours.”
“Those are dangerous warning signs, Jim. Please don’t take this lightly. You’re not the first ministry leader I’ve helped, and I doubt you’re the last.”
“The grocery store is still open. If you don’t mind, I’m going to buy flowers for Marsha and head home.”
“That’s the best idea I’ve heard all night. You do, I’ve got this.”
“Thanks for everything, Chuck. We’ll talk more soon.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Jim races out of the church to the nearby grocer. He selects two-dozen roses in various colors and drives home. Walking into the house, he wipes beads of sweat from his forehead. Approaching the bedroom, he slowly pushes the door open and finds Marsha sitting on the bed crying.
He kneels in front of her, laying the large rose bouquets on the bed.
“Marsha, I’m so sorry for missing our anniversary and taking you for granted. Things are going to change, I promise. Can you please forgive me?”
She wipes her eyes. “You’ve made promises before, but nothing changed.”
“Let me regain your trust. Let’s spend the whole day together tomorrow.”
“What about the revival?”
“Chuck will cover for me and arrange more volunteers to help. It’s a long story, but he helped me realize my mistakes. Will you spend the day with me?”
Marsha grins. “Yes, Jim. I’d love to.”
Ministry burnout, much like its corporate counterpart, can be a silent threat for the most dedicated individuals pushing beyond their limits, often mistaking endless busyness for divine calling. To avoid the spiritual exhaustion that can accompany disguised dedication, there is a sustainable solution.
According to Barna, pastoral burnout is on the rise citing stress, isolation, and political division as key factors for their desire to quit.
“As of March 2022, the percentage of pastors who have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year sits at 42 percent. This is consistent with data from fall 2021 when Barna first reported on a sharp increase in pastoral burnout, and it confirms the growing number of pastors who are considering resignation—up 13 percentage points from 29 percent in January 2021.”
Here are six ways to prevent ministry burnout and dismantle the deception that overworking is synonymous with putting God first.
- Put God and His ways first: Loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength enables us to live according to God’s plan. Knowing and applying God’s Word ensures alignment with Him and protects us from self-focused and performance-driven mindsets. Humbleness is key.
- Set Boundaries: Even Jesus, in the Gospels, established boundaries by finding moments to pray and rest away from the crowds. Ministry workers must also set limits to protect their time with God, family, and for self-care. Establishing specific work hours, delegating tasks, and learning to say ‘no’ can be acts of wisdom, not weakness.
- Cultivate Community: While ministry leaders often support others, they too need a support system. Building relationships with peers in ministry, seeking mentorship, and engaging in honest conversations about struggles can ease the weight of isolation that often accompanies ministry burnout.
- Embrace Rest: The Bible commands the observance of the Sabbath as a day of rest, not merely a suggestion. Observing regular times of rest is not laziness, but obedience. Rest is part of worship, acknowledging that the world’s needs do not rest solely on our shoulders.
- Nurture Personal Spirituality: Our entire life is our ministry for expressing an outflow of one’s relationship with God. When service becomes routine and one neglects spiritual growth, burnout looms. Prioritizing daily spiritual disciplines like prayer, solitude, and biblical study ensures that one’s ministry flows from a place of spiritual abundance.
- Pursue Harmony: Balance is the key to avoiding burnout. This includes having hobbies or interests outside of ministry work, engaging in physical activity, and ensuring that not every conversation revolves around church or ministerial duties. Balance helps maintain a healthy perspective and prevents ministry from becoming an idol.
In conclusion, avoiding ministry burnout is not about self-preservation primarily; it’s about aligning one’s priorities with the teachings of Christ. It’s a journey of recognizing that our identity and worth are not in our work. When ministry workers put God first, embrace rest, set boundaries, nurture their spirituality, and seek community and balance, they are better equipped to serve God and others.
Jim’s story reminds us that the most powerful work happens when we take a moment to reflect and ensure our service is a joyful offering, not a strenuous burden.
Remember, in our fabric of faith, every thread counts, but none bears the weight alone. We must build a life that honors God, balancing our work with the wisdom to rest in His grace.
To learn more about Teresa Devine, visit https://teresadevine.com
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