Something you wish more people knew or believed.
I wish more people knew and believed that burnout – specifically, ministry burnout – is real.
Psychology Today defines burnout as “a state of chronic stress that leads to: physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and detachment, feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.”
Burnout happens overtime. It’s a slow fade. It creeps up on you as little things and big things pile up. When you’re consistently stressed. When you don’t recognize the signs and symptoms. When you don’t practice self-care.
Many church leaders wave away burnout like it’s an excuse not to serve God or as a consequence of not spending enough time with God or not loving God enough. Basically, a “true” Christian doesn’t get burnout. That if you are doing a particular set of Christian disciplines, you won’t get burnout.
That’s a lie.
Let me shout it the online way. THAT’S A LIE.
Ministry burnout is real. It happens. Christians are not immune to it. Actually, I believe Christian are more susceptible to it. If you’re being a good little Christian by saying yes to ministry, service, or volunteerism over and over and over again, without getting rest and rejuvenation, you’re headed for burnout.
Yes, there is joy in the Lord by serving Him. But serving God is serving people. And serving people is work and stressful. It’s just how it is because we’re throwing ourselves into the mess, chaos, and drama of life. We’re helping broken people even when we’re broken ourselves. And ministry is usually volunteerism. Or you get very little pay. It’s a labor of love for God and for people. For rewards you won’t see until you get to heaven. For fruits that only ripen years later. It’s sometimes a thankless service. Working in the shadows. Spending your time, energy, and money.
You can’t tell me that stress doesn’t pile up in your life because of the ministry. It does, especially when most of us have other responsibilities like jobs and families.
You’re not less of a Christian because you have burnout. It didn’t happen because of something you did or didn’t do spiritually. It did happen because you were chronically stressed and didn’t see it happening.
I believe in the power of prayer, but I also believe that God answers our prayers in different ways. Sometimes, He heals us instantly, miraculously. Other times, His answers come through other people: doctors who help us with medicine, counselors who help us step back and analyze or understand our lives, people who give advice.
Burnout is preventable. It takes a conscious effort to maintain and relieve yourself of stress. Sometimes, all it takes is to get enough sleep, eat the right kinds of food, and drink enough water. Other ways to reduce stress and avoid burnout is to say no. It’s okay to say no, even to the ministry. I don’t believe you have to get involved in every ministry or church event. I don’t believe you have to attend every single church function. Get involved in your church community, but when you feel yourself getting fed up with people, don’t ignore that feeling. That’s your body and emotional and mental state telling you to give yourself a break. Step back. Breathe. There are so many other ways to relax and destress. The main thing is to listen to your body, your emotions, and your mind.
Most of all, listen to God.
“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, NIV
God wants you to come to Him and rest. That’s not a condemnation that you’re not spending enough time with Him when you have burnout. It’s a gentle request that you run into His embrace because He wants to take care of you.
