Recently a lady in my church was complaing that she was overwhelmed by all the things that she "had" to do at church and that she just could not do one more thing. The suggestion was made that she give up some of the things that she "had" to do. This lady refused to do, but till maintained that she could not take on more jobs at church.
When people feel the need to be in charge at church the end result is burnout. They get to the point to where they feel that they just can't do one more thing. However, they feel that they have to still be in charge or things will fall apart.
Soon resentment sets in. People begin to resent this person. They begin to question why this person does what they do. They begin to question why things have to be the way this person wants. In the end all this begins to pull the church apart.
THE ROAD TO BURNOUT
- Over-commitment (always in motion);
- Inadequate breaks and rest (continuous ministry involvement);
- Idealistic standards;
- Constant low-grade stress (occasionally interrupted by crisis!)
- Lack of help and assistance;
- Chronic fatigue from pushing oneself ("hitting the wall");
- Strong sense of responsibility, even when others "dropped the ball";
- Guilty feelings about missing church events/activities;
- Heavy job and family responsibilities/expectations;
- Inability (or strong reluctance) to say no.
BURNOUT REALITY ORIENTATION
Burnout happens to nice guys--to the dedicated, loyal, idealist church member who wants to make a difference. That’s the problem: this all-out commitment drives some Christians to take on too much, too soon, too often. They overlook their heavy non-church responsibilities at home and on the job.
Constant challenge and activity carries stress in its wake--"getting up" for ministry activity, putting out brush fires, coping with diverse personalities, making do with scarce resources. And don’t forget the strings attached to becoming a ministry leader: visitation, showing up every time the church doors are open, maintaining an exemplary witness at all times, attending (seemingly endless) meetings.
Sometimes the pastor and staff get a bit out of touch with grass roots volunteer busyness. They’re so busy (and under-appreciated) themselves, chronic over-commitment is simply a way of life. The idling majority of the congregation conveniently assumes that "everything is running smoothly, so our help isn’t really needed." Others, not so naïve, know the tremendous sacrifice required of ministry involvement and want no part of it.
A STRATEGY FOR AVOIDING BURNOUT
It’s easier to avoid burnout in the first place than it is to overcome it. Here are 10 do-able strategies for escaping its clutches:
- Rest, relax, recreate, renew. It’s God’s way of sustaining us for the long haul.
- Pray for your ministry responsibilities. Let God perform the work, using His infinite strength and perfect wisdom.
- Give something up before taking on a new commitment or responsibility. Don’t keep "adding floors" onto your already towering skyscraper of activities.
- Learn to say no and to set up reasonable boundaries around your involvement. Specify the help you’ll need and the constraints on your time.
- Set priorities and consult with your family. Church work occupies an essential role in our lives but must never take priority over family. Look for ways to team up with your spouse in ministry activities. Be willing to occasionally say no to low priority church activities when they conflict with quality family time.
- Get away from it all on a regular basis through hobbies, recreation, short-ministry "sabbaticals," and sometimes just being a couch potato.
- Listen to your body's stress warning signals, such as headaches, backaches, dizziness, insomnia, and unexplainable fatigue.
- Cut out the hurry and worry. Stress is the natural byproduct of trying to stuff 10 pounds of potatoes into a 5 pound bag. Do only what you reasonably can in the time available and with the resources available.
- Keep those to whom you relate informed of your changing commitments and priorities. Stay away from guilt trips.
- Emphasize grace over works. We don’t earn God’s blessings by the amount of church work we do. He wants us to lead healthy, balanced lives where ministry service is a joy and source of deep personal fulfillment. In the absence of such joy, ministry turns into burden and burnout.
Jesus knew of the burden of burnout. His words in Matthew 11:20, 30 are extremely comforting: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
So to avoid church burnout you one thing to do is delegate. Don't insist on being in charge of everything at church. Let other people take over. Don't insist on being at church every time the doors are open. Take a break from church. No, you are not a bad Christian for doing this No, you will not go to hell for not coming to church all the time.
Take time for yourself to relax and recharge. It will not happen overnight. It will take time, but in the end it will be worth it. Take time to pray. See what God wants you to do in regard to the church. He has a plan for you. You just have to open your heart and listen for God to speak.
Let others have a turn. Give up some of your jobs at church to others in the church. Don't do the jobs all yourself all the time. You need to let others in the church do some of the jobs. Don't just delegate the jobs to your friends and people that will do what you want. Ask for volunteers and let people sign up for jobs.
Don't make sure that there is something going on at church every night of the week. Doing that will lead to others being burned out at church too. Resentment will arise and in the end the church will close. Think of others first over self.
Following these guidelines will prevent burnout and help your church be active in the community for years to come.
