7. Burnout
Pastors are put on a treadmill. They go from the ministry to a hospital visit to writing a sermon to meeting with congregation members. They just keep running until there’s no passion or energy left. They become exhausted and depleted.
Vacations and sabbaticals can provide perspective. Another key is empowering other leaders so all the weight is not on the pastor’s shoulders.
8. Physical Health
Many pastors overwork themselves and simply do not care for their bodies. When you’re busy, it’s easy to eat poorly. But eating the right foods is essential to physical health. It’s the difference between fueling the body and depleting the body.
Pastors also don’t get enough rest or regular exercise. Exercise makes a huge difference in physical and mental health.
9. Marriage/Family Problems
Too often, a pastor’s spouse and children end up taking a backseat to the ministry. The key is balance.
Marriage has to be a top priority. Your relationship with your spouse is the most important relationship you have on this earth.
You have to nurture your family relationships—whether that means having family night or seeking counseling.
10. Too Busy/Driven
A lot of pastors simply are not working efficiently. They are not protecting their calendars or giving themselves the space they need. They haven’t learned how to say “no.” Being busy is not always being productive. Pastors need to find ways to maximize the use of their time. You have to learn how to say “no” at the right times.
Take a look at these 10 points, then pray and ask God: What area do I really need to address? Where am I struggling?
Once you identify the areas where you need to improve, take these three steps:
1. Ask for help. If you’re struggling, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking someone for help.
2. Institute accountability. Find a group or person to keep you accountable in the areas you think you are weak.
3. Take ownership of your choices. More than anyone else, you control the path you walk.
Take actions and precautions to make sure you don’t let any of these 10 reasons separate you from your passion for the ministry and your calling.
