Sources of Burnout
by Phil Gons on September 17th, 2007
David Yearick, pastor emeritus at Hampton Park Baptist Church in Greenville, SC and former senior pastor of 39 years, shares the most common ways that pastors burn out.
Physical Burnout
- Lack of proper sleep and rest
- Little or no exercise
- Obesity
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Illness
Emotional Burnout
- Excessive worry
- Disappointment
- Self-pity
- Hurt feelings
Spiritual Burnout
- Pride
- Fulfilling the letter and not the spirit
- Moral failure
What would you add to this list? Which of these are particularly challenging for you? What do you do to fight burnout?
Read the whole article at Crosswalk.com.
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SKD
Fear of Failure
Sep 18th, 2007 9:33 am
Stan Grams
Possessiveness of a ministry can also cause burnout.
Oct 10th, 2007 9:38 am
Kevin
The unappreciation of people that you pour your life into. Maybe, reading something into a sermon that is not there, and then up and quiting the church without even contacting you…… Major Burnout!
Nov 12th, 2007 12:01 am
Vic
I agree with Kevin. However I don’t quite agree with the criteria on the spiritual burnout above. Pride? Fulfilling the Letter and not the Spirit? Moral failure? Moral failure should not be categorized as spiritual burnout. Pride, maybe and maybe not - very subjective depending on the situation. Fulfilling the letter and not the spirit? Honestly, I don’t quite get this one. If you are saying doing all the work and spend not enough time with God, well, if you are in a small startup church ministry like mine, if I don’t do all the work, who will? We cannot afford to pay someone to. Does it affect my spiritual life - YES, and not just that, it also affect my relationship with my wife and kids.
Mar 3rd, 2008 6:56 am
Josh Henry
I would agree that burnout is a prevalent concern for pastor’s today. We hear of stories everyday of pastors that get “burned out” for many reasons, most of the reasons we hear are from being over worked, under staffed and facing unrealistic expectations from elders/deacon/church leadership.
We offer services designed to help pastors avoid burnout and better do ministry. Check out our website and services for more information. http://www.axessnetwork.com
Josh Henry
Managing Partner
Axess Network
Aug 15th, 2008 12:06 am
Joe
I’ve found that sometimes taking good advice can help avoid burnout - like the story of Jethro’s advice to Moses. I’ve also found a website that seems to let church members give good feedback to their pastors http://www.ourpulpit.com
Dec 19th, 2008 2:40 am
Walter
I also agree with Kevin. I pastor a small church and take a lot of time with the people in my cong. When they turn around and spit in your face it can be discouraging.
Jan 17th, 2009 8:34 pm