If you told me three months ago that ministry would be completely different – no public gatherings, no home groups, no board meetings together in the upper room at the church, no worship rehearsals and so on and so on; that everything would be shut down and yet I would be busier and working harder than ever – I would have laughed and said, “ha... that will never happen!” And yet, here we are: in the midst of a world-wide shut down with my time, my schedule, and my life filled to capacity.
I think there are a lot of pastors who would echo these sentiments. Just because you are not in the office (as much) or with people (in person) you are still pouring out, ministering at a high pace, loving, caring, and leading. The problem is, it’s different; so different, that the very subtle yet very real danger of burnout and stress can sneak up and attack, and you may not even know it.
All of us need to be aware of the potential burnout that lurks just around the corner, especially when things are not “normal” and your focus is on a new way of dealing with ministry, a different way than you have ever done it before. Here are four warning signs that you may be on the path to burnout or collapse in this “new time” of ministry.
Taking care of YOU is essential if you’re going to take care of the people around you: your family, your friends, and your church. They need you to be the best leader you can be, especially in these confusing and different times. Everyone is looking for their leader to guide them, to care for them and to assure them that God is still with us.
You can’t do that well if you’re not well.
I would encourage you to seek out help from a skilled counsellor a trusted colleague if these types of symptoms are becoming a regular part of your routine. Then, make sure you honestly talk with someone who cares about you and your wellbeing.
Here, at your BCYD Network, we have resources available just for times like this, just for you; professional counsellors and coaches who want to see you be at your best, leading with the exceptional skills and giftings that God has given you.
Please call or email any of our district team to find out more about these available resources. As is said so often by our Superintendent, “we are better together.” And “better” means healthy, happy, passionate and excited.