Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)
Is there anything more frustrating than putting a lot of time and energy into helping someone… and they just don’t appreciate it? Or, they just aren’t getting better? You can’t see how the Lord is working or how your efforts are making a difference?
Not only is this a very frustrating experience – it can lead us into burnout.
When you’re burned out, it’s hard to care as much. It’s hard to put in the same effort and energy, certainly while maintaining joy in the process.
We all struggle at times with our ministry work and with the people we are trying to help. But the Lord calls us to stand firm! To continue encouraging and helping one another.
So, join me today for 7 practical tips that will help you avoid burnout, stand firm, and continue your work to help others in the name of Christ.
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What is ministry burnout?
Burnout is a phenomenon that is common for many people in “helping” professions. The simple explanation of burnout is pretty straightforward: you feel burned out! Exhausted. Emotionally, mentally, physically, and perhaps relationally and spiritually worn down.
When you start to feel burned out, you are not going to enjoy your ministry work as much – and you won’t do it as well either. Most people will struggle to act like themselves, and will find that they are not enjoying things they once were passionate about. People might start being easily irritated or feeling grumpy, tired, or more negative.
Of course, burn out is not a guarantee! But it is common.
So, let’s take a look at 7 things you can do to AVOID this experience of burnout in your own ministry.
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(1) Check your pride.
When you are putting too much weight on your own shoulders and your own “success” in ministry… you are far more likely to burn out.
Only God can bring true, lasting change.
Your efforts matter, of course. But they are not ultimate. You are not in control and you cannot create success in your ministry – no matter how hard you work. So to avoid burnout, make sure to check your pride. Focus on what God is doing, and don’t push yourself to the breaking point when you aren’t really the change-maker at all.
(2) Check your expectations.
Just like your pride might be leading you to do too much or put too much responsibility on your own shoulders, you also need to check your expectations of others.
It is simply a reality of life that everyone will struggle. Even the strongest Christians, the greatest prayer warrior, will still fall short. We all sin. No one is a success all of the time.
Consider 1 Corinthians 10:13 when you are struggling with other people in your ministry: we all face temptations. Consider Romans 3:23 and the reality that we are all sinners. This is one reason that Hebrews 10 encourages Christians to spur one another on… this is a battle with no end, until we are with the Lord.
(3) Know your own weaknesses and temptations, and have a plan for managing them.
Everyone faces temptations, struggles, and a never-ending battle against flesh and brokenness. Your weaknesses are different from mine, but they are still real. And they will not only impact your ministry and your family, they will impact your own mental and emotional strength.
To avoid burnout, be realistic about yourself. Where do you struggle? Identify that, and then identify a plan for what to do.
We can turn again to 1 Corinthians 10:13. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
What temptations are threatening to overtake you? What “way out” is God providing?
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(4) Be intentional with your time.
Everyone gets the same 24 hours in a day, whether you’re the church’s senior pastor, late-night janitor, or laughing toddler. So if you want to avoid burnout, you need to be intentional with your time.
Spend time on what brings you joy and peace. Allow time and space for personal devotions and Bible reading, for fun family activities, and for your own hobbies. Be intentional to spend less time on things that stress you out (meetings? paperwork?) and things that just don’t matter (social media? paperwork?)
Again, everyone is different. What brings you joy? When do you feel rested? Make sure these activities and experiences are a regular part of your life.
(5) Pray more and complain less.
If you want to keep yourself feeling frustrated, make sure to think about the things that frustrate you. Except, be aware that you won’t feel better, you will be disobeying God’s clear command for gratitude, and you will be walking a quick road to burnout!
Every pastor, leader, and Christian is blessed by praying more and complaining less.
When you notice that something is bothering you, don’t just ignore it. But also, don’t just complain about it. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
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(6) Keep track of the wins.
One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to keep track of how God is at work in your ministry and in your life. Don’t just rush past successes and celebrations – take time to celebrate them!
This might happen with a gratitude journal, a party or celebration, prayer lists to track God’s response, or general prayers of rejoicing and worship. Focus on what is working, what is going well, and what you are enjoying in your work – and you’ll be a lot less likely to get burned out with it all.
(7) Set boundaries with your time, emotional energy, money, and expectations.
Boundaries matter. If you are saying yes to everyone and everything, you will burn out. God only gives so many hours in a day, dollars in a bank account, and energy on a random Tuesday. He expects you to be a wise steward of every resource.
And part of that wisdom is knowing when and how to say no… and then following through on it.
READ NEXT: Tips For Setting Boundaries (And Helping Others Do It Too)
What’s next as a ministry leader?
Pastors and other ministry leaders do not need to wait until you are feeling burned out to get support and help. Often, other people will notice that you are struggling before you are. So listen if people express concern! Notice not only how you feel but how you are speaking, acting, and treating other people.
If you are struggling with the demands of ministry, you are not alone. Burnout is a huge problem for pastors, leaders, and people in many helping professions. Reach out for help, and seek the Lord’s grace and rest when you are struggling.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
If you are in South Carolina and need help with these issues, we have counselors and life coaches available at The iHope Center. Reach out to us at The iHope Center if you would like some support with dealing with these related struggles. Our services are 50% below the local average cost of counseling and we do offer some virtual appointments if needed. Call (843) 702-0323 to get started.
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Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors.
The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations are used to help us keep clients’ fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.
DISCLAIMERS
The blog, podcast, and other resources offered by The iHope Center should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.
In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.