Recently, I was asked this question:
At times, not well ...
I did suffer through a very serious period of depression that was directly related to ministry. I think I understand how to avoid it now, but I am not yet convinced that I will.
There is no "burnout" in the "trust and obey". Burnout comes in the artificial aspects of ministry that we heap upon the more organic call of Christ to simply walk in the manner in which we are called is no burden. To meet the expectations we or others place on ourself is the overwhelming burden. It is the difference that comes with understanding that "I can do all things through Christ" and at the same time knowing that I am not called to do all things.
Probably the best understanding comes from Cloud and Townsends "Boundaries". Being able to distinguish my responsibilities from yours and my responsibilities from God. Usually the issue is an identity crisis. I know I am James Freeman, but I want to be God.
When I begin to see the signs and symptoms of "burnout" approaching, I go back to the old mantra that helped bring me out of depression, "I am the one that Jesus loves and in Him I am enough!" I spend more time with Him simply as His child rather than His servant and things return to their natural balance. Keep in mind that this is very difficult relationally, because you have to give up some things you should have never taken in the first place and the people involved with those things don't want to see them go undone by you.
Of course, that is my mantra, suited to my own personal set of insecurities. Each person has to dig into their own heart to find their deepest area of need. Or better, ask our Father in Heaven to do the digging - "search me and know my innermost being ..." The reason why we spin out of balance is unique to each of us.
Laura's answer would be completely different. You should ask her. In all likelihood, she will reveal that I am not doing as well at it as I think ;p
As I wait upon the Lord, He renews my strength, I can run effortlessly the race marked out before me, it's like I have wings ...
You and Laura are so much to so many...and you have been a part of the church for a long time. How do you avoid/overcome church or spiritual burnout?
At times, not well ...
I did suffer through a very serious period of depression that was directly related to ministry. I think I understand how to avoid it now, but I am not yet convinced that I will.
There is no "burnout" in the "trust and obey". Burnout comes in the artificial aspects of ministry that we heap upon the more organic call of Christ to simply walk in the manner in which we are called is no burden. To meet the expectations we or others place on ourself is the overwhelming burden. It is the difference that comes with understanding that "I can do all things through Christ" and at the same time knowing that I am not called to do all things.
Probably the best understanding comes from Cloud and Townsends "Boundaries". Being able to distinguish my responsibilities from yours and my responsibilities from God. Usually the issue is an identity crisis. I know I am James Freeman, but I want to be God.
When I begin to see the signs and symptoms of "burnout" approaching, I go back to the old mantra that helped bring me out of depression, "I am the one that Jesus loves and in Him I am enough!" I spend more time with Him simply as His child rather than His servant and things return to their natural balance. Keep in mind that this is very difficult relationally, because you have to give up some things you should have never taken in the first place and the people involved with those things don't want to see them go undone by you.
Of course, that is my mantra, suited to my own personal set of insecurities. Each person has to dig into their own heart to find their deepest area of need. Or better, ask our Father in Heaven to do the digging - "search me and know my innermost being ..." The reason why we spin out of balance is unique to each of us.
Laura's answer would be completely different. You should ask her. In all likelihood, she will reveal that I am not doing as well at it as I think ;p
As I wait upon the Lord, He renews my strength, I can run effortlessly the race marked out before me, it's like I have wings ...
