Many professionals describe burnout as a “state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress”.  Serving in ministry at times, we may feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands, though do these feelings mean we are “burning out” or “burned out”?

As Jesus and His disciples entered Samaria on His way to Jerusalem (His time on earth was drawing to an end), He was not welcomed by the Samaritans (Luke 9:51-ff). Remember how James and John asked Jesus, “Do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” Their passion and respect for Jesus consumed their thinking and words which was rebuked by Jesus.  Why?   

We know Jesus’ mission was “to seek and to save”, not judgmental fire.  Maybe you can relate to James and John, being caught up in moments of rejection or frustration can cause us to want to retaliate in righteous indignation.  For some of us, it’s easy to become critical, in time bitter about what looks like rejection or apathy.

Think back, when was the last time you felt resistance from someone who lacked interest in Jesus?  A time when you saw a lack of response to God’s Word and call?  How did their lack of interest affect you?

How can we respond to someone’s lack of interest and our ill feelings?  We can take a breath of fresh air, a moment to breathe in God’s goodness rather than reacting.  Even when we feel alone in God’s call by numerous deaf ears, walking away to let go gives us the opportunity to find peace and time to refocus.

What works for you?

Unsettled?

Eyes searching, feet moving, heart wanting more?  Do you ever feel this way?  Sometimes out of boredom, discontent or downright hunger we’re moved to search for more, something to fill the void or just different.

When we sense these unsettled signals, it’s time to respond.  Our eyes and heart wants to wonder, look into other fields.

What can help?  Here are several ideas:

1. Consider God’s mercy to understand our needy heart and wondering thoughts.
2. When feeling discontent, dig down into your heart with the Lord to find the cause, feeling and need.
3. Get it out.  Talk about these feelings and thoughts with someone who understands.
4. If you’re a visual person, draw out your thoughts, connect the dots to what’s missing or what’s leading you to wonder.
5. Let go, throw it down before God, the unsettled, discontent and/or boredom.
6. Pick up God’s mercy and truth, to fill your heart and mind to then reflect His goodness and glory.

We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with every-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Comment about a time when you felt restless.

How’s your New Years’ resolution going?

Aspirations of change, motivated by wanting life or things to be different inspires us.  Hearing stories of radical weight loss or rages to riches stories say it is possible for us to change.  Yet the lack of results is disappointing.

As we all know, change ain’ t easy, but consider what is different about you since the beginning of the New Year.  Is there an outward, noticeable difference?  Have you accomplished any steps you committed to do?

What about any inward change?  Emotional strength?  Confident attitude?  Stronger hope?

No matter your resolution, accomplishments or lack thereof, the character of hope developed in us through God’s work brings about a difference within us, in preparation for change.  Remember what Paul said in Romans 5:5,  ”Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

Where’s hope for you when you feel like “you’re bangin’ your head …”?

Beginning a Habit

Living Your Story

A man once told his mentor, “I still hear my father’s voice, telling me to get my work done”.  Upon remembering our father’s words, some hear a supportive voice to be responsible, others hear critical words of not “good enough”.  The battle inside, to be responsible, to accomplish the work and tasks around us is great.

No matter if you are triggered by a supportive or critical voice, accountability is a tool for responsibility.  We daily experience the rewards of being responsible such as taking care of our self by simply brushing our teeth or house expenses as paying a utility bill.

What is gained by taking care of personal hygiene needs and a warm, comfortable house is worth the time and expense.  If being accountable has such great rewards, why do we struggle with it?

Accountable is a two edge sword at times, a mixed bag of feelings, both challenged and inadequate.  Experiencing mixed feelings is often uncomfortable, just enough to avoid the task altogether.  If this is your struggle at times, there is hope!

Find truth and confidence by answering these questions:

1. What did I do in the past to overcome mixed feelings in order to complete the task(s)?
2. How did God’s grace work through me to accomplish the task?
3. What were the positive consequences of what was accomplished?
4. How can God work in me now?
5. How will myself and others be blessed because of completing this task?

Uncertain times and uncertain future often causes stress on pastors and ministry leaders.  With the economic downturn, church members feeling stressed by increased demands at work and new budget cutbacks at church are often stressful.

Leaders voice their concerns in private and sometimes in their office.  Here’s what some are saying:

“I feel like I am walking on pins and needles around some of our staff.”

“How can I plan an event this year when half of my 2010 events were not well attended or attendees were jut unenthusiastic.”

“Sometimes I begin to spiral downward when I think about our decrease in attendance and offerings.”

A feeling of uncertainty, in most people, causes an uncomfortable, emotional disturbance that leads us to react both frustrated and/or anxious at times.  While reading this post you may not feel the stress or pressure, though consider a tense moment with someone you experienced at church last month or a criticism by someone that is hard to let go.  What about a moment of reflection you had driving home from church office that left you worked?  If you have felt this way towards the end of 2010, you may still have residual stressful tension in 2011.

Ministry leaders often find success when they are able to adjust to both low and high tides.  Life is uncertain and church members, like sheep are fickle and wanting life to happen on their own terms.  Making ministry adjustments are critical to riding out the church ocean tide.  We all know about adjustments in ministry, though what about emotional and mental health adjustments?

For those who want to move beyond wishful thinking to what can I do to be different this year, here are just a few responses from veteran ministry leaders who are surviving the emotional and mental low tides.

“I find refreshing myself with God’s Word for confidence and a pointed Scripture stuck on my computer monitor as a reminder to put life into the right perspective”.

“Realizing I am not alone is big for me.  That’s why I have been calling friends in the ministry to help me get a positive perspective on 2011.”

“When I come back from time off or a holiday break, I feel fresh and motivated to handle more of the difficult challenges.  That’s when I schedule one a day and then find support from my spouse.”

“While in the midst of tense meetings or challenging e-mails, I ask God for help to listen, not react.  I find a few deep breaths, saying my responses in my head before saying them out loud is critical for me.  Then I can choose what is a helpful way to respond.”

What’s your response to handling low tides?  What do you plan to do to have a positive outlook for 2011?

A recent article told a story of a man walking a very long road from one village to another. At the outskirts of the new village he encountered a farmer laboring in his field, cutting hay. He said to the farmer, “I have walked a great distance to come to this village of yours. I have left my village looking for a new home, perhaps I will find it here. Tell me, how are the people in this village? What kind of people are they?” The man in the field thought a moment, then asked, “What were the people like in the village you came from?” The traveler replied, “They were uncaring, self-absorbed, cynical, and unfriendly. That’s why I left.” The farmer paused before replying and then said, “I think that’s how you’ll find the people here, too.” The traveler replied, “In that case, I’ll just move on and look somewhere else.”

A couple of days later, the farmer was again out in his field when another man approached him and said, “My village was destroyed and the people scattered. I am looking to find myself a new home, perhaps in this village. Can you tell me, how are the people in this village? What kind of people are they?” The farmer asked, “What were the people like in your village?” The traveler replied, “They were wonderful people. Loving, close, helpful, and I will miss them terribly.” The farmer said, “I think that’s how you’ll find the people here, too.”

What does your village look like to you?  How do you perceive your church surroundings, people and staff?

Our perception affects our attitude.  Our attitude affects our actions and words.  Taking time to adjust our perception often comes by resting through sensory download.  This is a fancy phrase for taking time away from ministry to surrender or ring out (like a soaked sponge) stuff in your heart and mind.  Surrendering to God painful and negative thoughts about disappointments and unmet expectations are good examples.  Then absorbing God’s Word and spiritual refreshment (peace, joy, grace, etc) brings the opportunity for a new attitude.

In your quiet time with your heavenly Father, consider several areas of opportunity (needs changing) to “ring out” from your soul.

Seasonal depression is a reality. You may have heard of it as the “winter blues”(1).   Seasonal depression is applicable for individuals whose mood is fairly normal during most of the year, though experience depressive symptoms during the winter months.

The US National Library of Medicine notes that “some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They can also feel depressed unrelated to any external reason, though symptoms usually clear up by spring.

Individuals with “winter blues” often have difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, and especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. All of this leads to the depression, pessimism, and lack of pleasure which characterize a person suffering from this disorder.

Seasonal depression can be diagnosed by a medical professional, clinical therapist or psychiatrist.  Treatment for this disorder can simply be light therapy, eating healthy foods and exercise.  Other times an anti-depressant medication can be taken to lift the depressed mood enough so the individual cab take healthy steps to beat the “winter blues”.

1. Seasonal Depression can Accompany Summer Sun. Ivry, Sara. The New York Times. Retrieved September 6, 2008

Further links:

What are Mood Disorders

What is Seasonal Depression

Light Therapy

Spiritual Depression in Psalms (John Piper)

Stress seems to find us then follow some of us wherever we go!  Are you interested in how stress affects you?

On a separate piece of paper, write numbers from 1-10 and write your corresponding answer to each question.  Consider how you are internally affected when in each situation and how those feelings affect your thoughts and actions.

1.  How often do you feel you are unable to control important things in your life (like time with family, serving in ministry, ministry preparation, time to relax, etc)?

Never               Some Days           Most Days             Daily                  Several Times Daily

1                                   2                               3                           4                                      5

2.  How often do you get upset while working at your computer (home and office)?

Never               Almost             Sometimes                    Fairly Often                  Very Often

1                                2                           3                                         4                                      5

3.  How comfortable or relaxed do you feel at staff or team meetings?

Not at all          Occasionally     Somewhat Often           Fairly Often            Very Often

5                             4                                3                                        2                               1

4.  I fit into the social setting within my office setting and/or ministry setting?

Seldom             Sometimes          Depends upon …       Fairly Often                  Very Often

5                              4                               3                                    2                                       1

5.  I feel pressured to make more money to pay for family or personal expenses.

Never               Occasionally        Sometimes                 Fairly Often                  Very Often

1                                   2                               3                                      4                                    5

6.  I’ve consider seeking a new position at church or a new job somewhere else over the last two months.

Never               Almost Have      Sometimes                 Often                    Very Often

1                              2                           3                                 4                               5

7.  When at home during a heated family discussion, I get headaches or feel pressure on my chest?

Never               Somewhat           Sometimes                 Fairly Often                  Very Often

1                         2                                3                                      4                                     5

8.  I let people (family, friends and/or co-workers) down, unable to meet their expectations.

Never               Sometimes           Generally                   Fairly Often                  Very Often

1                         2                                3                                      4                                        5

9.  Recently, someone in my home has told me he/she is dissatisfied with their life.

Never               Maybe             Has Happened             Fairly Often                  Very Often

1                         2                               3                                      4                                      5

10. I have difficulty trusting what others (church, friends or family) say is really true.

Never               Almost             Sometimes                    Fairly Often                  Very Often

1                         2                           3                                         4                                          5

Now add up your scores and compare to the numbers below.

10-20  -  You are not affected by daily stressors or are in denial.

20-25   -  Even though your life is eventful, you are human and able to handle stress.

25-35  -  Your reactions to stress affect you thoughts and actions, causing some concern.

35-50  -  Stressful events are affecting your daily functioning, with great concern.

Specific way to analyze your responses.

1. Look at each answer you scored a 3 or above.
2. Consider why you answered the way you did and how your answer affects your daily stress or the total amount of stress by the end of your week.
3. Ask yourself, how you are coping with each stressor and consider other options to coping.
4. On the questions you answered 4 and/or 5, consider reading relevant articles on your area of stress.  Also consider applicable scriptures or spiritual disciplines to help you handle the stressor.
5. If you choose to seek professional assistance with the stressor(s), you have an 8 out of 10 probability you will find positive change with your stress.