Great writing. Thank you. I subscribed. I’m in the middle of a decision to retire as pastor. But from a tiny little church. It’s hard, this job of pastor. It’s people pleasing, no matter how many times you remind yourself that there is no one to please but the King. Mostly because people demand to be pleased, no matter how many times they tell themselves that it’s all about the King. Deep down, somewhere they are ashamed to admit, they want the resources of the church (pastor’s time, etc) spent on them, telling them what they want to hear, telling them only their theology, singing the songs they like, picking out one word to dislike out of a 30 minute sermon that took 15 hours to develop. And the threat they hold out is to leave, take their tithes elsewhere. Please me or else. It’s mostly subsurface but
Great illustration of the unwanted earworm! Way too often, the earworm is the “critique” or suggestion of others that doesn’t seem to fade so easily from our self talk. Sacrificing family & sanity on the altar of ministry never glorifies the Lord & doesn’t build the kingdom.
Keep recovering brother! That IS something that glorifies the Lord.
Our culture looks down on rest. People brag about how much they work, not seeing the damage it can do. Pastors often justify it because it’s for the cause - and that’s dangerous.
Youth pastor/college is a lot and you can run on adrenaline for a while to make it work, but only lasts so long. There’s an entire book on burnout by Wayne Cordeiro where he deals with what happens when you run on adrenaline & dopamine.
What a vivid, soul-stirring reflection. Your words echo the quiet ache many carry. Burnout often begins not with exhaustion, but with misplaced identity. Galatians 5:1 (NIV) reminds us: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."
Yes, living life free is amazing. Where the challenge is, that most people don't see, are the expectations placed on a pastor. Some are self inflicted and many are placed on them by a board or influential people within their church. The other dynamic are staff pastors who must follow the directives of their lead pastor, sometimes at the expense of their health and family.
Absolutely. Praying God’s grace, wisdom, and rest for you, your family, and those serving under pressure. May He renew your strength (Isaiah 40:31) and remind you that your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Great writing. Thank you. I subscribed. I’m in the middle of a decision to retire as pastor. But from a tiny little church. It’s hard, this job of pastor. It’s people pleasing, no matter how many times you remind yourself that there is no one to please but the King. Mostly because people demand to be pleased, no matter how many times they tell themselves that it’s all about the King. Deep down, somewhere they are ashamed to admit, they want the resources of the church (pastor’s time, etc) spent on them, telling them what they want to hear, telling them only their theology, singing the songs they like, picking out one word to dislike out of a 30 minute sermon that took 15 hours to develop. And the threat they hold out is to leave, take their tithes elsewhere. Please me or else. It’s mostly subsurface but
It’s tough.
Do you ever feel like you're a glorified customer service rep for Jesus? LOL
That’s funny!
Great illustration of the unwanted earworm! Way too often, the earworm is the “critique” or suggestion of others that doesn’t seem to fade so easily from our self talk. Sacrificing family & sanity on the altar of ministry never glorifies the Lord & doesn’t build the kingdom.
Keep recovering brother! That IS something that glorifies the Lord.
Our culture looks down on rest. People brag about how much they work, not seeing the damage it can do. Pastors often justify it because it’s for the cause - and that’s dangerous.
I have seen this in my large church. I see it in my young adult son who is a youth pastor still in Bible college.
Youth pastor/college is a lot and you can run on adrenaline for a while to make it work, but only lasts so long. There’s an entire book on burnout by Wayne Cordeiro where he deals with what happens when you run on adrenaline & dopamine.
What a vivid, soul-stirring reflection. Your words echo the quiet ache many carry. Burnout often begins not with exhaustion, but with misplaced identity. Galatians 5:1 (NIV) reminds us: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."
Yes, living life free is amazing. Where the challenge is, that most people don't see, are the expectations placed on a pastor. Some are self inflicted and many are placed on them by a board or influential people within their church. The other dynamic are staff pastors who must follow the directives of their lead pastor, sometimes at the expense of their health and family.
Thank you for reading and responding!
Absolutely. Praying God’s grace, wisdom, and rest for you, your family, and those serving under pressure. May He renew your strength (Isaiah 40:31) and remind you that your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).