Ministry Fatigue

Today I was at lunch with a group of pastors and the topic turned to burnout. Now that's a subject I know a lot about! I've struggled through the years trying to find the balance between working hard and working smart; between pushing the ball up the court and passing out on the bench.

In 2000, I was passed out on the stage because I had pushed myself too far. I began to analyze my work pattern, my insecurities, and my long-term goals. I've watched and learned and listened through the years.

I think typically there is a continuum that pastors move along relative to ministry fatigue. First there is brownout. Then there is burnout. Then there is breakdown. When I was laying on the stage, that was breakdown. Some people (including my wife) thought I was just playing around; that it was a part of my message! When folks picked me up and carried me to the office, I knew I had to do something different. I've been on a quest since then to make sure that I run hard, but finish well.

I'll talk about what I've learned on the subject for the next few blogs. First from the prognosis side, then the diagnosis side, then from the prescriptive side. "All who run in the race, run to win." 1 Corinthians 9:24 I want to run in such a way as to win, not limp off in obscurity.