Identifying and Preventing Ministry Burnout

For a long time, I operated under a misguided, and frankly exhausting, theology of life and ministry. I looked at the Romans 12:1 call to be a "living sacrifice" and assumed the goal was to go out in a blaze of glory, no matter the cost. I thought that serving well meant running myself into the ground for others.

But when my season of life, responsibilities, and capacity shifted, I found it hard to keep up as I once had. Eventually, I noticed physical, emotional, and relational symptoms starting to creep in, warning me to adjust my pace.

In retrospect, these symptoms felt like God’s warning to Cain (Genesis 4:6-7) that danger lurked nearby if I didn’t change course. But I didn’t want to heed it.

I don’t think I’m alone, either.

What does it mean to invest in living as a living sacrifice?

The problem of playing with fire is that it can get out of control if not given clear limits. The flames of ministry burnout can often engulf one’s family, ministry, and soul. We’ve watched too many leaders go out this way.

So maybe the question becomes: What does it actually mean to invest in the “living” portion of Romans 12:1?

This was the topic of discussion at our women in ministry check in last fall. These luncheons are a space for women in ministry to process, plan, pray, and connect with one another. Our next Women in Ministry Check in is February 12, but until then, I wanted to share what we discussed for your benefit.

That Girl is on Fire

Before you can problem-solve, you need to know the symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue. Burnout doesn’t come from just one busy week. It's the slow drowning, the gradual wearing away that takes more than just a restful weekend to recover. 

While the specifics may differ, burnout tends show up in these three ways:

1. Emotional Malaise: The chronic feeling of emotional depletion may manifest through low mood, anxiety, or irritability in different people. If your emotions are a bit off or dull for a prolonged period, this might be a warning sign.

2. Relational Disconnect: Burnout can leave us feeling jaded toward those we serve or detached from God and ourselves. If you note a sense of isolation, bitterness or cynicism building, this might be a warning sign.

3. Vocational Incompetence: Burnout can cause us to be less effective or feel less effective in our roles. If you have a nagging feeling—whether true or not—that you are dragging in your abilities to perform as you usually do, this might be a warning sign.

If you’ve felt these markers in your own life, you certainly aren't alone. These symptoms can be a gracious warning to pause, reassess, and plan to recover before it’s too late. I promise it’s easier to adjust now than when you’re feeling extra crispy.

5 rhythms to help recover from burnout.

Here are 5 rhythms (adapted from Zeal Without Burnout) to help you course correct:

1. Sleep → prioritize rest and good sleep hygiene

2. Sabbath → devote time away from work and in restorative worship once a week

3. Friends →  invest in deep, restorative, and mutual connections

4. Fuel → fuel your body with quality food, fluid, and content (what you read, view, or listen to)

5. Inward Renewal → make time for fun and delightful activities that move you to worship

“God so often allows his ministers to come to an end of themselves in order that they might begin to be more useful in his service.”

— Christopher Ash, Zeal Without Burnout 

Just like God’s people throughout history, we have to remember that knowing and walking with God is far more important than grandiose sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6, Luke 10:38-42). God isn't looking for us to burn ourselves out on the altar of "more." Rather, he has asked us to live out virtue in step with Him (Micah 6:8) and to take up his easy yoke and walk with Him (Matthew 11:28-30).

Whether you were able to join us at the luncheon or not, you can download the Burnout Worksheet we used. I made it for women in ministry, but it will work for men just as well.

You can use it to audit your current situation and navigate the gap between your calling and the tasks or responsibilities of your everyday life. When your calling and tasks don't line up, it’s time to delegate, delete, or entrust those burdens to the Lord.

The Gift of Limits

Identifying the symptoms of burnout is just the beginning of the conversation, and it was a helpful reminder to all of us.

For our next check-in, we’ll discuss the upstream problems (like comparison, shame, pride, and a lack of margin) that can wreck women in ministry.

Register to save your seat, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Marie Burrus is a UBA Church Consultant and Communications Specialist. Her primary responsibilities are consulting on mission engagement and church communications. She also manages, edits, and contributes content for UBA's blog, website, and social media outlets.

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