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 ...
I do feel you do a great job and this is your calling for sure.I know you feel if you don't do it it won't happen, what ever IT is. But I also feel you shouldn't be in control of every aspect of the church nor should you have to be.No one should be spread that thin.Others in the family should all be pitching in and doing their part, some part to make it all come together and flow,which takes a big burden off of you. It's like our own families,our children. If they are to do something or they want something to happen they must take an active roll for this to work if not it doesn't happen.they learn that if they don't do what they are supposed to do then they will go without.You should expect no less from a church family as you do from your own family.You aren't letting anyone down by not doing it all.They are letting themselves down but not doing their part. One man cannot do it all, nor should he. Nor should you.
ReplyDeletePeople are not new to this they know what they should do to help in a family whether it be their own family or the family of God.
"FAMILY OF GOD" Should be more not less.