Four signs you need a ministry break
There is no doubt that in ministry, breaks are needed. But how can you tell when you need to step away for a time to engage with God and focus on who He wants you to be, not simply what He wants you to do? Here are four warning signs that you’re on the road to burnout and need to take a break for the good of your ministry.
1. You have become cynical.
Cynical people are the ones who make disparaging comments about everything and always find themselves killing the positive mood in a room. They like casting the blame over giving the credit. For the good of their people, cynical pastors should not be serving in a leadership position until they have a better outlook on who God has called them to be. If you want to fight cynicism, take a break and do something that will help change your pessimistic perspective – go on a mission trip to a third world country, help someone in your community or spend time with some children who can breathe creativity back into you and help you dream again.
2. You are negative about someone else’s victory.
Great leaders are not threatened by other great leaders. Insecurity can come from jealousy, envy or greed, and it always breeds negativity. We must always guard our hearts and keep watch for these types of actions and behaviors. Good leaders have their people’s back. But when you are uncertain because of your own weaknesses and doubts, you will put others down rather than lifting others up. If you find yourself feeling insecure, start a hobby in an area that you have an interest but no skills or experience. You will learn to be humble and teachable, as you learn from someone, and you’ll develop positive feelings as you see yourself grow in a new area.
3. You see problems instead of potential.
Ministry is full of problems because people are messy. However, when you have developed a pattern of blame and criticism toward the people you are leading, it may be time to look in the mirror and ask, “What is my part of the problem?” A way to combat this kind of attitude is to make a list of everything that is going right in your life. Sometimes we forget the ways God has blessed us and lose our gratitude.
4. You hardly laugh anymore.
Laughter is the most exceptional medicine. People who never laugh scare me. In ministry, you see people make foolish choices, and sometimes as hard as things can be, you have to laugh about it. I can remember performing a baptism when my clothes got locked in a changing room. I had one song before I had to walk on stage, so I borrowed someone’s pants to preach that day. At the time it was not funny, but now I laugh about it. Make a point of laughing more. Ministry can be fun and entertaining. Everything does not have to be serious.
Ways to Fit Breaks into Your Schedule
If these warning signs describe you, it may be time to take a break in order to have a breakthrough. Sometimes a sabbatical is helpful. I have seen men take a break in order to come back better and stronger. But taking a break can also be something you fit into your regular rhythms. Here are some ideas:
Take a weekly sabbath, a 24-hour period rest from what you do every day to connect with God.
Schedule your vacations far away from the church.
Schedule your anniversary celebration away from home, and don’t take your phone.
Schedule date nights with your wife and separate nights out with your kids without your phone.
Get a hobby you can look forward to enjoying at the end of each day.
Take a two-week break in the summer. Ask two friends to preach for you.
Whatever you do, don’t push yourself to the limit without taking a break. It might just save your ministry.
Gary Moritz serves as the church revitalization director at the Baptist Convention of New England.