More than anything, many pastors don’t just want a different kind of ministry, they long for a different kind of life.
Until we can help pastors learn to “live well,” we will continue to see an epidemic of pastors leaving the ministry. Living well begins with owning the health of your own soul. It is realizing that self-care is not selfish; it is good stewardship.
Living well includes embracing your limits, establishing a healthy rhythm of life, pursuing Jesus more than your ministry, and getting emotionally healthy.
I love the idea of embracing limits and living well, but as leaders, we are often in “go mode,” rarely stopping for rest and rejuvenation. Many of us don’t know that we need to slow down until it’s too late. What are the indicators of a church leader who may be headed toward a need for replenishing?
Whether they realize it or not, most leaders are headed toward a need for replenishing. The pace of life, the demands of ministry, the strain of leadership and spiritual warfare are a constant drain. Every leader needs to tenaciously pursue a rhythm of life that allows for regular replenishment.
Here are some common warning signs that should tell a leader he or she needs to refill his tank:
1. Loss of joy
2. More easily irritated and angered
3. Cynicism and disillusionment
4. Feeling disconnected from Jesus
5. Depression and isolation
6. Escapist behaviors (often secret sin)
7. No motivation
8. Addiction to technology
9. Exhaustion and fatigue
What are healthy boundaries or practical things church leaders can implement in their lives before they get to the point of wanting to walk away?
The single most important thing a leader can do to get healthy is to take full ownership of the health of their soul. I think it is easy for us in ministry to either play the martyr card or victim card. One of the best days of your life is the day you take full ownership for the health of your own soul. It will require courage, breaking free from people pleasing, and learning some new habits.
The other thing I would tell leaders is that they must get back to pursuing Jesus more than their ministry. I often remind pastors, “Jesus is your life … not your church.”
Living and leading from a healthy soul in today’s culture is not a small task. And that’s why Replenish Ministries exists. It is our desire to come alongside pastors and their teams to help them do ministry from a “healthy” place. Because the greatest gift you give those you lead is your own healthy soul.
Do you struggle with burnout? How do you take care of your emotional health?
