Prayer retreats are an essential part of my self-care strategy (or rule of life). A few years ago, I learned that I needed time away with God to refocus and recharge for ministry. Without these retreats, I will burn out or become depressed. I suspect that more people than just pastors would benefit from extended […]
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If God is present everywhere, why do we feel so all alone? Richard Rohr says, “We’re already in the presence of God. What’s absent is awareness.”
Compassion fatigue in pastors is a serious problem. As a pastor, I love to help people find joy and freedom in Christ because I love people. I find that love draws me to people who are willing to admit their pain or their sin – people who want to be healed. Through this gift of […]
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Good nourishment provides the body with everything it needs for growth, strength, and health. We have food pyramids, nutrition apps, and even personal trainers to help us keep our bodies in good condition. Why do we spend so much time caring for the body while neglecting the state of our souls? What good is a […]
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Burnout is a prolonged feeling of depression, joylessness, or anxiety. In pastors there are several symptoms that signify full-blown burnout. Before reaching that depth, there are signs that burnout may be on its way if things don’t change. Below are partial lists of symptoms for pre-burnout and total burnout.
This is what I did to get out of the deep depression of ministry burnout.
When was the last time you did a deep dive into your own soul? Sometimes we can get so caught up in helping others we forget to tend to our own souls. Here are 20 questions that I use to explore the depths of my heart.
It can be helpful to have lists of the names, attributes, and images of God as a guide for meditation and prayer.
Have you ever spent 30 minutes in silence alone with God? I can hear what you’re thinking – “I could never spend 30 minutes in silence!” You’re right. If your focus is to spend 30 minutes in silence, the noise in your own head will make it almost impossible. However, if your focus is to […]
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