It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and burned out in ministry! While it can happen to anyone, I believe those of us in the “people-helping industry,” are more susceptible to it. So what can we do to prevent it, see it coming, or recover from it?
This is a common question I see in online and in-person youth pastor groups. Some are asking from a place of prevention, not wanting to ever get to that point. Others are asking from a much harder place, either on the verge of burnout or well past that point.
With all this in mind, here are a few things I would recommend:
- Work on building your team and multiplying your ministry through them. I have some blog posts and podcast episodes about this, but I’m also available to talk through it with you if you want, as this is something I love doing.
- My friend, James Sabin, has been on my podcast a couple times to share his story about burnout and how to overcome it. I highly recommend checking out those episodes (34 and 90) and reaching out to him (his contact info is in those episode show notes).
- Alan Fadling wrote 2 books called An Unhurried Life and An Unhurried Leader. I highly recommend reading at least one of them. I also had him on my podcast recently to talk about those but also his new book about anxiety.
- Check out Carey Nieuwhof’s stuff on burnout. His book “Didn’t See it Coming” is a great read, but he also has several other articles, courses, and podcast episodes about burnout. He even has a burnout assessment tool on his website.
- Get connected with a ministry coach, a mentor, and a local network. All 3 can help you in different ways, but the goal of each one is to provide the support you need for longevity in ministry. If you need help with any of these, please reach out, and I can help or make some connections for you.
- Do not overlook the importance of professional care from a licensed counselor. They are trained to help people talk through potential issues that lead to problems. Please ignore the stigma around mental health, and consider speaking with a counselor.
- And of course, don’t neglect your own relationship with Jesus! There is only one Savior and you (nor I) are not Him. Let’s make sure we are always working WITH Jesus instead of just FOR Him.
I hope these recommendations help point you in the right direction. If so, please let me know. Or if there is something else that has helped you, please let me know that as well.
Steve Cullum 