Used with permission from Link Care Center in Fresno 

Pastors don’t have to be convinced that they are in a very stress-filled vocation. There are many reasons why a pastor begins to question his call to ministry: the disparity between idealistic expectations and hard reality; workaholism; feeling under-trained and overwhelmed; dealing with problems and conflict on a regular basis; dealing with self-image; being too serious in life; expending more outflow than intake; and feeling underpaid and underappreciated.

Burnout has been described as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion marked by physical depletion and chronic fatigue, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, and by development of a negative self-concept and negative attitude toward work, life and other people. The following signs may be present: 

1. Decreased energy and increasing difficulty in “keeping up to speed” with all that’s going on;
2. Feelings of failure in vocation and questioning the call to ministry;
3. Reduced sense of reward in return for giving so much to the ministry;
4. Sense of helplessness and inability to see a way out of problems; and
5. Cynicism and negativism about self, others, work and the world in general.

Here are just a few suggestions on how to bring prevention and cure into the equation.

1. Find fresh, unique spiritual disciplines. Have you always had your quiet time the same way? Why not shake it up a bit and restructure the time you spend with the Lord? For instance, one day you might write down a verse or two and take them with you on a walk, meditating on their meaning. Perhaps another day you might play a Christian CD and worship Him in song. On yet another day, you might memorize a passage of scripture that will minister to you throughout the day. And how about just walking and talking to the Savior? The Apostle Paul did plenty of that!
2. Take regular time for yourself. Without regular times of refreshment and renewal, you will find yourself on the fast track to burnout. Are you taking your days off throughout the weeks and months? Or do you work on those days because, after all, you feel like you have a lot of energy (and besides, people need you!)? Take time away from your community and get a fresh view of life. Do you have a quarterly time to get away for a few days to study, pray, sleep and refocus?
3. Get plenty of sleep and exercise. Walking is good if you don’t like to run or can’t because of physical limitations. Tennis, golf, racquetball and other sports are good, too, to keep the ol’ ticker tickin’ in a healthy way! Also, eat healthy and stay away from meals or desserts late at night.
4. Rest and relax. Take some deep breaths. Think about something other than ministry. Believe it or not, the church will still be there when you refocus on ministry! Sit in silence daily. Allow your body to release the tension that has gathered because of all the “stuff” going on in your life.
5. Be accountable. Join other pastors to pray and play. Who else can understand you as well as another pastor? Get away and do something fun (it’s really not a sin!).
6. Begin to think in different ways. What are your goals? Are they reasonable? Or are you trying to be the super-man of church-endom? Learn to set healthy boundaries. When you want to say no, say no. When you really want to say yes, say yes. Be flexible. Change areas in your life where you need to. Be a growing person.
7. Do something weekly that is totally different than ministry. Start a hobby, build something, write a novel, visit an ethnic neighborhood. Do nothing. Today is a good time to begin implementing some of these changes in your life. You will be glad you did and so will your family and congregation. If you sense your outlook on life and ministry are not improving, don’t be afraid to seek out a professional Christian therapist who can help you.

For more information or assistance contact CSBC’s Church and Pastoral Care:

Peter Celum
Church & Pastoral Care Specialist
559.229.9533 x. 242
E-mail Peter Celum 

Leslie Lee
Ministry Specialist
559.229.9533 x. 212
E-mail Leslie Lee