No matter what the role in ministry, we shoulder a tremendous amount of stress. Often we carry this load without realizing the effect that it has upon us. We will never eliminate the stress of ministry, but we can be aware of the warning signs of burnout.
My first introduction to the stages of burn out came through a required training as a Therapeutic Support Staff. My role was to work with children diagnosed with behavior disorders and to assist them to stay in a traditional classroom. When I was with a client, there was no downtime! Needless to say, the job had a high amount of turnover and a higher amount of burnout.
First Phase - Exhaustion
This is the phase where the job is difficult, caffeine is a must, and you feel like you need a break. Listen to your body! Ask yourself the following questions. Are you getting enough sleep? When was your last day off? When did you last Sabbath?
Don't forget that Sabbath rest is one of God's top ten... right next to not committing murder!
Second Phase - Shame and Doubt
Responsibility begins to be overwhelming in this stage. Projects and deadlines get missed. Pay attention to your schedule! Ask yourself the following questions. Why do you feel the burden for this? Where can you get some help? Who can help you set measurable goals to help you catch up?
If guilt brought you to Christ, you may think that shame and doubt are normal parts of the faith journey. It's not healthy, nor is it truly living, when we choose to stay obligated out of a sense of duty and responsibility alone. It may be helpful in this phase to do a personal study on grace and freedom.
Third Phase - Callousness and Cynicism
It's been said that a cynic is a disappointed idealist. Cynicism, callousness, and sarcasm are warning signs of burnout. If you've reached this far in burnout, it's hard to recover. Often resentment has taken root. Ask yourself the following questions. Who do you blame for the perceived failure you see? How can you forgive them? Can God redeem these percieved missteps for His glory?
Resentment and division will destroy the church. In 1 Corinthians 11:27, Paul warns the Corinthians that there is a sin that prohibits a believer from taking communion in an unworthy manner. He's speaking about a specific sin. In verse 17, the sin that he is referring to is division. When we get cynical, it is easy to let division build in our hearts toward others - WATCH OUT!
Fourth Phase - Failure
Failure is hopelessly giving up. This is a major warning sign. If you feel trapped with no options, tempted to give in to your default sin out of a desire for comfort, or entertain the idea of walking away from it all, GET HELP! Stop struggling through ministry out of duty and seek the help you need to get truly healthy.
The Constant Battle
Learning the phases of burnout can help keep you spiritually healthy as a ministry leader. Many of us work in a world where the demands exceed even the most competent leaders. The good news is that we are not without help. Take advantage of this list to start a conversation within your network. Seek a counselor if you feel that you need it.
Great resources
Feeling the effects of burnout? Here are a few recommended resources to help you get healthy again.
1. LEARN ABOUT BURNOUT. There are so many resources around burnout availble online. You might find that you need to change your diet, replace a habit, or even get better hydrated in order to start the process of healing. There may also be a need for professional counceling... learn more and make changes to get healthy!
2. TELL SOMEONE if you are experiencing the feelings of burnout. If you are afraid that it could impact your employment to tell your boss, then find a trusted friend. This is also why we pound the drum about networking... you never know when you need to have support through a tough space in ministry. Maybe you simply need to connect locally with a group of youth workers. Click here to see if there is a gathering near you.
3. GET COACHING. I'd highly recommend that you connect with Youth Ministry Booster. YMB has created a caring online community with hundreds of other youth ministers like you. There are many online communities as well. Find a space where people care for your SOUL and not just your profession.
Burnout can be managed and survived! Don't assume that your lack of excitement is typcial. If you're constantly exhausted, operating out of shame or doubt, are constantly cynical or critical... GET HELP! Find ways to avoid failure at all costs!
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Wayne Morgan is the National Ministries Coordinator for NNYM find out more about him here.