Burnout
As I wrote in my engaged learning project, one of the things I learned about myself was that I was on the fast-track to ministry burnout. I read several books that we
re very beneficial in helping me ascertain this in my life. The primary book that I read was Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic by Anne Jackson. I thank God for Anne Jackson. Since then I have read her blog and she has written more great stuff along the lines of burnout, ministry and setting boundaries.
The dirty little secret is this, many pastors and church leaders either suffer from burnout or are on the road toward it. Growing up, I heard preachers that I admired say that one “must burnout for Jesus”. And I agreed, then, but not now. Jesus does not want us to be burned-out, our families need us to NOT BE burned out. When burnout happens, we are no longer as useful to the Kingdom of God as we need to be. We live on a culture that admires success over quality of life. Pastors are encouraged to work seven days a week, be connected at all times, leave their family on the sidelines. The result is usually disaster. Many pastors are quitting every month either because of moral failure, or burnout. This must stop.
I have an extra copy of this book and I want to give it to a pastor who feels that they are suffering from burnout or are quickly approaching it. OR you know a pastor who is “there” and you think this book would be of a help to them. Regardless, I do not want this book to simply sit on the shelf, I want it to help someone. Email me.
Thanks for plugging this book, sounds like a great read – I’ve added it to my “wish list.” I too have been on the “fast track”…
Well, I must disagree with you…. There is nothing more noble than for someone to destroy their life or their family on the almighty alter of ministry. It just shows a lack of dedication to do anything less… ::dripping with cynicism::