Pastor Burnout
A twitter friend posted these links. Good stuff about the problem of pastor/ministry burnout. I can't imagine how difficult it must be and while it has it's rewarding moments, it has to be tough to be called, burdened, with a charge like this. Cheers to the pastors I know and love.
Find #1: Consumerism and the easy life makes congregations demanding
"Ministry is a profession in which the greatest rewards include meaningfulness and integrity. When those fade under pressure from churchgoers who don’t want to be challenged or edified, pastors become candidates for stress and depression."
Find #2: Demand your pastor takes time off!
"As cellphones and social media expose the clergy to new dimensions of stress, and as health care costs soar, some of the country’s largest religious denominations have begun wellness campaigns that preach the virtues of getting away."
Remember that Sabbath thingy?
Find #3: Why?
Especially read the part about the life-insurance salesman. Wow.
I'm no pastor but when I became a Christian I did the overwork thing. I've actually done it twice. First time, then a burnout, then a re-invigoration and before I knew it, I was at it again. I can't say I feel especially called -- no more than Jesus called ALL of us -- so if I had a burning burden for those who may be missing out, like most pastors, then I don't know what I'd do. On one hand, it's killing me. On the other hand, it's all I want to do, all I've ever felt like I've wanted to do. How do you deal with that?
I think it's more about us, the non-pastors. I can't do 20 hour weeks at the church, but I can certainly put God first in my life and do the things He has arranged for me to do. If we all accepted our piece of the burden, then pastors would have the time to focus on that one hard-to-reach guy. And to sleep.
And before you think it: Yup, God does refresh. He gave us sleep.
Here's a good counter-point (by an author of the blog above that I linked "Why"):
