I read an article today on churchleaders.com called “Ten Rules to Avoid Ministry Burnout” by Dave Wied. I’ll include the hyperlink below. Dave starts by giving a great description of the downward spiral of burnout, and how it sets in. If you have never thought through it, please take time to read it. While we realize when we are burned out, it is sometimes difficult noticing that we are heading there. Knowing that, his first point is “Take heed to yourself”, and is what I will spend my time interacting with today.
This point comes from 1 Tim 4:16, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (ESV). This scripture comes after Paul reminds Timothy to remember his calling and to be immersed in it. Wied tells us to know not only our calling, but our strength and weaknesses also. For most people who ministers, being able to say no is our greatest weakness. We see something that needs to be done, and we see others are saying no. Our heart and desire is to help, so we step up and do it. But did we ask the question, “Is this our calling?” Is this what I am meant to do?” I believe that our calling, or our purpose, is part of who we are and therefore should be part of knowing ourselves.
I’ve watched many people start out teaching a Sunday School class. Then the director steps down, and now they feel obligated to do the job. Other times, they are pressured into the position. Most have a compelling testimony of being called for teaching “a” class, but have little to tell on running the department. When a person takes on too much, we see the cycle of burnout begin. Knowing yourself and what God wants you to do can prevent this. When I see ministers getting tired of what they are doing or starting not to care, often I will ask them, “Who are you?” They will reply, “I’m John Smith.” Then I’ll say, “OK, who is John Smith?” And then, silence. They don’t know. So, I ask you this today: Who are YOU? As you think about this question, also think about the Scripture, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim 4:16, ESV).
http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-how-to/150219-ten-rules-to-avoid-ministry-burnout.html