Are you in the 38%?
It’s not a group that you want to be a part of.
According to Barna research, 38% of Christian leaders are in danger of burning out!
As you read that, I can hear many of you screaming “YES” through the internet.
You are most likely someone who knows something about burnout. Chances are you’ve either burned out before or know you are at risk now.
The experts tell us that burnout occurs from unresolved chronic workplace stress. Stressors like responsibility overload, blurred personal boundaries, and the lightning speed of cultural changes bring it on.
Ministry is challenging. Christian leaders need to remember that throughout history, leaders—like Moses, Peter, and King David—have struggled with doubt and experienced inadequacy in fulfilling the work God had called them to do.
I knew when I was feeling burnt out. And so did the people around me.
Anger
Feeling drained
Trapped
Tempted
I just wanted to escape.
But escape isn’t the healthy way to deal with and heal from burnout.
Certainly, your burnout may cause you to reconsider ministry. That’s okay if it’s done honestly and healthily. But leaving ministry isn’t always the answer. Some other solutions are…
Know your job; stay in your lane! Do what you can do.
Build friendships (especially outside of ministry)
Get away. Take your days off and your vacation. Those are part of your paycheck.
Exercise.
Reevaluate your mission.
Focusing on one or two of these may reinvigorate your passion and calling.
If you are a Christian ministry leader and feeling burnout to the degree that you’re rethinking your future, I’d love to talk to you about rediscovering your next assignment in life. Message me for a private call.