Posted by Pastor Booker, we know that pastors and ministers are not immune from depression and burnout. Can you give us a few helpful hints that pastors can take to prevent this from happening?
If I had to answer this in one single word it would absolutely have to be the word REST. While there is a host of methods to obtain rest (some may be free while others may not) there is ONE single factor about rest that is mandatory and cheap… it’s called SLEEP. Whenever I find myself at the ‘end of my rope’ the first thing I do is get in at least two, much preferably, three nights of very good, very deep sleep. This means, non-interrupted, phones off, nine to ten hour (minimum) sound sleep.
Is depression from burnout common among pastors?
While depression and burnout often go hand in hand, and is therefore not uncommon, what is not common among the Apostolic ministry is what I call ‘total burnout’. However, while I don’t personally think ‘burnout’ is rampant in our Apostolic ranks; I do believe that a state of almost perpetual fatigue does indeed plague many. Generally speaking, many in ministry have no idea how tired they really are. The gravest problem with all of this is that it is hard to feel good spiritually when you don’t feel good physically. So, my brother and sister… please, get some rest—and do NOT feel guilty about it. It’s too important to your physical and spiritual health.
How can pastors prevent it?
See the above. And in all of thy getting, a steady, daily time of soaking in scripture and diving into sweet communion with God, as His friend, is indispensible. Even if it cannot, for whatever reason, be done for great lengths of time, daily doses are fundamental to the Christian pastor (and anyone in ministry). A jet airplane is a marvelous creation, but not one will stay in the air for long without fuel. It’s the same with our walk with God, regardless of who you are.
Pastor Larry booker is a noted evangelist, Bible teacher and conference speaker and Senior Pastor of Inland Lighthouse Church in Rialto, California.
If you are interested in hearing more about this and other subjects that pertain to ministry, go to www.inlandlighthouse.com and check out the Pastoral Counseling Audio Series for CD’s on a variety of subjects: Stress and Ministry, Ministers’ Wives, Ministry and Retirement, PK Panel Talk, and Youth Ask Questions. Some of the questions anwered in this series: “How do you know when God is calling you into ministry?”, “What one piece of advice would you pass on to another pastor thinking about retirement?”, “What word best typifies your understanding of a pastors’ position?” and many more…
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