Burnout is a major concern for all pastors and other ministers. The definition of burnout is “physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.” Ministry is stressful, especially when balancing family and occupation as well.
Richard RayI attended a recent funeral of a man who served the Lord as a minister his entire adult life. He served during times of war, traveled as a missionary throughout the world, started numerous churches and preached thousands of messages, serving many years as a bivocational minister. However, burnout did not come into the equation in his ministry.
I have met other ministers who have served the Lord more than 50 years, and burnout was not mentioned in their testimonies.
How does a minister prevent burnout or overcome burnout once it is encountered?
A minister can prevent burnout by finding rest in Jesus Christ and following his direction in the ministry. Jesus said: “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).
Burnout often is the result of attempting to do ministry alone, even refusing to allow Christ to assist. When the minister takes on more than Christ ever intended, ministry becomes an occupation and not a calling.
Christ called ministers to serve with joy. Psalm 100:2 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness!” Joy or gladness is the antidote and prevention to burnout in the ministry. Each day a minister serves the Lord is a day of experiencing the joy of serving the King of kings and Lord of lords. Joy overcomes the stress of ministry, family and occupation. Serving the Lord with joy leads to entering into God’s rest. When life becomes overwhelming, God’s rest will allow you to overcome and find victory.
I encourage you to serve the Lord with joy, and when ministry begins to become a burden, remember the promise of Christ: “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.” Give Christ your burdens and your stress, and you will find joy in the ministry, just the way Christ intended.
We are here to serve you as you serve the Lord. Remember, the Lord has called you to serve, but he has not called you to serve alone. Visit our website to register for the 30th annual Bivocational/Smaller Church Conference, hosted by Dallas Baptist University, July 15–16, as well as to learn more about how the Bivocational/Small Church Association can assist you in the ministry. For additionalinformation or to schedule a visit, contact me at [email protected].
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Richard Ray is executive director of the Bivocational/Small Church Association and director of missions for Tri-Rivers Baptist Area.
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