7. Burnout isn’t the end of the road.
So after all of this doom and gloom, let’s end on a positive note.
Although burnout is extremely unpleasant, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road for a disciple of Jesus. With the help of God’s Spirit, family, friends, medication and plenty of time off, I am now back on the road. It took a long time to get out of the dark forest, but there is a way out.
Although I am no longer a pastor, I feel I am, in many ways, more effective now as a disciple of Jesus. I am more connected to people who don’t know Him and have plenty of opportunities to put my faith into action as I share His love and the greatest message on earth.
So spare a thought, prayer and some time to help those in ministry who are finding the journey challenging, and don’t forget to look after yourself so you don’t end up going down the burnout road.
If you find yourself struggling with burnout, here are some tips:
- See a doctor and share what you are experiencing. I found this a difficult thing to do, as I felt that somehow I was letting Jesus down by not being a great example for Him. However, I am very glad I did, as medication can often help to re-balance the system that has been worn down by years of stress and fatigue. Seeing a doctor early will be important if you later make a claim for income protection.
- Let your leadership team know you are struggling and that, without some kind of recovery strategy, things are likely to get worse. Ask them to journey with you through this time through their prayers and guidance.
- Consider seeing someone for counseling.
- You may need to consider having some extended time off. Time away from pastoral responsibilities is essential in making a recovery. If you are burned out, look to see whether your income protection policy will cover this if you become incapacitated and unable to work.
- Never lose hope. No matter how hard and long the journey through the dark forest is, keep believing you will emerge and God will always be with you.
