Burn out exists in other staff positions too. I can only speak for myself but when I smelled that pungent smell of my electrical wiring overheating I took that as vivid signal to stop what I was doing and enter into my prayer closet. It was there that I did a self exam and reapplied that age old transferable concept that Campus Crusade for Christ established as a BASIC requirement for long life in ministry. What was that? Prayerfully remove yourself from the throne of your life and ask God to take control. In ministry a very subtle practice of our enemy is to make me and other ministers to not take the time to do a self evaluation to right the ship. Ask for forgiveness and ask God to help you avoid that trap again.
Kevin, this is such great counsel and encouragement! From a personal viewpoint, you consistently have practiced seeking to walk in intimacy with God. Your self-evaluations along the way blessed you and those of us who had the joy and privilege of serving Jesus with you!
Good job Jeff bringing this crucial issue to light,, Its sooooooooooooooooo important to be praying for our pastors every single day and letting them know how much we appreciate them, and love them, and we need to care for them as they are shepherds under the Great Shepherd. I also noticed in the list of reasons pastors are burning out, I read a lot of "I feel" statements. We are not to be led by our feelings but by Gods Word and biblical facts. I pray you do not feel burned out but wholly fully supported and loved and cherished by your congregation . Praying for you daily. love and prayer, Jamie
Good job Jeff on presenting this important topic. Pastors also need shepherds to support them, I think Deacons and Elders can have a role in encouraging, praying, and having supportive relationships.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Paul. Those are great points – about Deacon and Elders coming alongside with prayerful, encouraging partnership. If we look at Moses, God paired Moses with his brother Aaron for support. Later, it appears that Joshua and Caleb also became significant sources of validation and faithfulness.
Burn out exists in other staff positions too. I can only speak for myself but when I smelled that pungent smell of my electrical wiring overheating I took that as vivid signal to stop what I was doing and enter into my prayer closet. It was there that I did a self exam and reapplied that age old transferable concept that Campus Crusade for Christ established as a BASIC requirement for long life in ministry. What was that? Prayerfully remove yourself from the throne of your life and ask God to take control. In ministry a very subtle practice of our enemy is to make me and other ministers to not take the time to do a self evaluation to right the ship. Ask for forgiveness and ask God to help you avoid that trap again.
Kevin, this is such great counsel and encouragement! From a personal viewpoint, you consistently have practiced seeking to walk in intimacy with God. Your self-evaluations along the way blessed you and those of us who had the joy and privilege of serving Jesus with you!
Good job Jeff bringing this crucial issue to light,, Its sooooooooooooooooo important to be praying for our pastors every single day and letting them know how much we appreciate them, and love them, and we need to care for them as they are shepherds under the Great Shepherd. I also noticed in the list of reasons pastors are burning out, I read a lot of "I feel" statements. We are not to be led by our feelings but by Gods Word and biblical facts. I pray you do not feel burned out but wholly fully supported and loved and cherished by your congregation . Praying for you daily. love and prayer, Jamie
Good job Jeff on presenting this important topic. Pastors also need shepherds to support them, I think Deacons and Elders can have a role in encouraging, praying, and having supportive relationships.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Paul. Those are great points – about Deacon and Elders coming alongside with prayerful, encouraging partnership. If we look at Moses, God paired Moses with his brother Aaron for support. Later, it appears that Joshua and Caleb also became significant sources of validation and faithfulness.
Good points Jeff. It’s cool how God builds support systems and all the parts of the body of Christ need encouragement.