One of the greatest privileges of ministry is having a front-row seat to the life change that happens when God is at work in someone’s life. Ministry goes beyond our job to a calling that brings us purpose and fulfillment. We become swept up in the adventure and excitement of seeing God move and change lives, and we are willing to sacrifice anything and everything for the sake of the gospel.
If we pursue ministry for any length of time, however, it’s inevitable that our sacrifices for our calling will begin to take a toll. In my own experience of nearly 10 years working in the local church, I’ve found that if I’m not careful this cost can quickly take me down a road of burnout.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I’ve found a regular practice of personal examination and reflection on what God is up to in my life is essential to staying healthy in ministry.
Henri Nouwen’s book, In the Name of Jesus, has this great quote:
I came face to face with the simple question, “Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus?” After twenty-five years of priesthood, I found myself praying poorly, living somewhat isolated from other people, and very much preoccupied with burning issues. Everyone was saying that I was doing really well, but something inside was telling me that my success was putting my own soul in danger. I began to ask myself whether my lack of contemplative prayer, my loneliness, and my constantly changing involvement in what seemed most urgent were signs that the Spirit was gradually being suppressed. It was very hard for me to see clearly, and though I never spoke about hell or only jokingly so, I woke up one day with the realization that I was living in a very dark place and that the term ‘burnout” was a convenient psychological translation for a spiritual death.
I regularly ask myself:
- How is God inviting me to trust him more deeply?
Any place where there’s anxiety, insecurity, frustration, or uncertainty is an opportunity to learn to trust God more completely. God is always with you—in the big and small things—but sometimes you need to slow down and remind yourself of this truth.
- Am I being open about my life with at least one person?
Nothing dispels darkness like the light of a friend who graciously speaks truth and love into your life.
- What do I need?
Self-care is not selfless; it’s essential to stay healthy so you have something to give to others.
- What’s getting under my skin?
We all live with hurts and insecurities, and sometimes a simple incident gets under our skin and triggers a bigger reaction because it hits a nerve. These trigger points can be an invitation from God to draw closer to him and experience healing in deeper hurts and insecurities.
- Do I really believe that I am loved by God?
God doesn’t want you to do things for him. He wants you to do things with him. He’s crazy about you, and you don’t have to earn his approval because you already have it.
Regular self-examination is key.
Original article by Laura Copeland/ Christianity Today. Excerpts taken from http://www.christianitytoday.com/gifted-for-leadership/2016/march/5-self-examination-questions-for-church-leaders.html?start=1