7 Warning Signs for Church Leaders Who May Be Close to Burnout
#1 – Your desire to quit is steadily becoming stronger.
Every church leader has had the desire to quit (usually on Monday). However, when we are beginning to experience burnout, the desire to give up actually increases to the point we either begin to shop our name to other churches – or, consider quitting the ministry altogether.
#2 – You feel trapped, isolated and alone.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
You really do feel like no one fully understands what you are going through. So instead of asking for help, you continually internalize the pressure and stress and allow it to slowly suck the life out of you.
#3 – Social media is the dominant voice in your life.
I once had a great friend tell me that the quickest way to lose sight of what God says about me is to focus on what man says about me.
Social media is great for information and connection; however, it has also become a coward's playground. People who have never even met you will make assumptions about you based on your personality and not the person you actually are.
Another great friend once told me, "opinions should be weighed, not counted." The problem with social media is that people can beat the crap out of us…or we can run to it seeking our affirmation and support rather than really turning our eyes on Jesus and allowing Him to be our strength.
#4 – You are becoming more and more distant from your family.
You don't know how to convey what you are dealing with to them. You feel guilty for not being able to be a great spouse or parent — and so you withdraw into your own little world, tell yourself and them that it is just a season and you will eventually be better.
#5 – Your love for people is decreasing.
Jesus said in John 13:34-35 that we will be known for our love for one another; however, when we experience times of burnout we become increasingly intolerant of people who do not believe and act exactly like we believe they should – and we have very little patience and kindness towards anyone.
#6 - You begin to make the easy decisions rather than the right ones.
When you are dealing with burnout the LAST thing you want in your life is any sort of pain, and you will go to extreme measures to avoid it. This often means running away from difficult decisions.
#7 – You really do believe there is no way out of what you are going through.
I remember in my darkest days of depression, the main reason I considered taking my own life was that I honestly believed the lie that nothing was ever going to change and that removing my existence would be better for everyone.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
If Jesus can take a blood stained cross and turn it into an empty tomb then He can take your circumstances and turn them into something immeasurably more than all you could ask or imagine.
