Burnout happens … a lot! You would be surprised at the number of pastors and church leaders who are burnt out with ministry. For some, this is an internal thing where they have to fake enjoying church. For others, they quit and leave the ministry. I want to give you three simple ways to avoid burnout in your ministry.
• When you get home from work, be home! Obviously you are there physically, but many pastors and church leaders rarely are at home mentally. For example, I have been a student pastor for the past seven years and students/parents/leaders can text you all of the time. I am the type of guy who always has to respond to a text quickly. So, I quickly found myself being at home, but still at work, and not at home mentally. This is unhealthy for my wife and kids. So, I have learned that not every email/text/or phone call needs to be dealt with at that moment. When you go home, be home. Your family needs you at home mentally!
• Find an accountability partner and meet with them monthly. This must be intentional, but every pastor and church leader needs one. It is important for your growth as a leader, but also your sanity. I recommend finding someone outside of the church. Someone you can trust and that has little or no connection to your church. It gives you an outlet. Many pastors find the outlet in their spouse. This is not wrong, but sometimes it affects your spouse negatively if you come home and constantly unload. Find an outlet outside of your church.
• Find yourself a hobby. For a lot of pastors, this is golf. For some, it may be video games. Reading, hunting, bowling, pick-up basketball, whatever—I could care less what the hobby is, I just care that you have one. It is another way to have an outlet. It also gives you exercise, and your mind is best when you exercise.
