Youth ministry burnout is unfortunately common. Plenty of factors contribute to youth workers burning out. And I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories. But the best work a youth worker can do is long-term youth work. So stick with ministry!
In the meantime, check out these 27 ways to beat youth ministry burnout. Then keep thriving in your important work with teens and young adults.
Beat Youth Ministry Burnout: 27 Tips
- First, surround yourself with good people who love you and don’t report to you.
2. Make sure you’re a worshiping part of the community. Take regular Sundays off from commitments.
3. Have a separate line-manager, pastor, and mentor.
4. Take your days off. Always. No exceptions.
5. Plan your holidays in advance.
7. Talk to God regularly, like he’s an old friend who desperately wants the best for you. (Because he is—and does!)
8. Have hobbies. Commit to them as a valuable part of your life, not simply as extras “when there’s time.”
9. Give. Generously and a bit ridiculously. Don’t wait to give.
10. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Commit to growing that above all else.
11. Grow in love for the Word. Do this as a relationship with your Dad in heaven, not as a ministry-prep thing.
12. Married? Make intentional space for intimacy. Explore, make it fun!
13. Kids? Try to be more crazy than them when you play. Really play with them.
14. Dance when no one’s around.
