Recovering From Ministry Metldown

The following excerpts are from the article Recovering From Ministry Metldown published by Larry E. Hazelbaker, Lakeland, Florida.

"I jotted down one single word on my legal pad: Burnout. Common among many, burnout leaves people feeling spent. Teachers, students, blue-collar workers, parents, kids, athletes, entertainers, andministers can all experience burnout."

DEFINITION
Burnout is a gradual process of desensitization that inevitably wears down an individual until they have no motivation. Burnout happens so slowly that the person affected does not realize it is occurring. It is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. They are caused by demands, pressure, unrealistic expectations (self-imposed and external) and stress.

RECOGNIZING SYMPTOMS
Burnout is often accompanied by denial, which is the estrangement from one’s own feelings. Stress, hostility, neglected needs, guilt, and low self-esteem also appear to be characteristics. People suffering from these symptoms are more at risk when they are nurturing others or anticipating the needs of others. Pastors, therefore, tend to be perfect candidates for burnout. They often see themselves as somewhat alone. They may feel powerless to change anything they are doing because of this aloneness. People who suffer burnout tend to be perfectionists and seem to strugglewith their own power, autonomy, and identity.

RECOVERING FROM BURNOUT
Overcoming negative emotions
Negative emotions stem from a person’s perceptions of what is expected from him. Disappointment, discouragement, despair, despondency,embarrassment, and even depression can follow a meltdown.

Confronting past mistakes
Mistakes provide the steps and tools for learning. God does not allow His servants to go through or endure painful situations without providing themthe ability to overcome and be victorious.

Renewing your call
One feeling that seems to accompany failure is inferiority. Feelings of inferiority are not necessarily bad if they prompt one to improve. God prepares His servants for every work that He has called them to do. Remember that God’s mercy and grace will accompany us as long as we operate within our sphere of gifts and talents.

Maintaining a devotional life
When we get alone with Jesus and invite the Holy Spirit into the room, we have opportunity to be refreshed and renewed. Reading the Word of God also provides great personal benefits. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). If reading the Bible provides one with a much better and healthier perspective on life, why would anyone choose not to read it?

Renewing your inner spiritual/biblical life through continuing education
One negative self-perception that encourages low self-esteem and fuels depression is that of being unlearned or ignorant. This perception is reinforced when one fails at something or begins to show signs of burnout. Learning reinforces self-worth because knowledge aids in making better decisions and wiser choices.

Managing time and organization to reduce stress
It is essential that a pastor learn to manage his life. Managing one’s life takes discipline and structure. Words like boundaries, parameters, and margins are good.

Maintaining physical health
Exercise and rest are important. Sometimes we forget “we have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Building healthy accountability relationships
Scripture warns Christians to be careful with whom they associate. A person can benefit from an accountability group. The group should include some people who do not know him personally because they will tend to be more objective in their perceptions. There is often more freedom and safety among strangers than friends when it comes to accountability. An accountability group or partner who does not know a person will usually be honest and tell him what he needs to hear rather than what he wants to hear.

Endnotes

Stages Of Burnout
- The first stage is the intense compulsion to prove something to someone.
- The second stage is the willingness to deprive self, avoid conflict and personal needs, and sacrifice one’s values.
- The third stage is denial, disengagement, and observable behavioral changes.
- The fourth stage is depersonalization, emptiness, and depression.
- The fifth stage is total burnout and exhaustion.

Alleviating Burnout
1. Live a better lifestyle as it relates to choices. This includes diet, exercise,
and relaxation methods, reducing harmful habits, and addictions.

2. Develop and maintaining a social support system. Everyone needs someone
with whom to fellowship. .

3. Become absorbed in meaningful tasks. Find something outside your church
and become a part of it. Volunteer to spend a little time working at your
local Salvation Army store helping people find the things they need. Get
outside your own ministry environment and “do ministry.”

4. Learn to cope with stress. Coping means protecting oneself. If you are a
normal person, you will not need to look for things to stress you; they will
find you. Find ways of recognizing stress before it becomes a means for
potential burnout. Learn your limitations and do not venture outside of
them.
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Too bad I didn't come across this article before I started smelling smoke.....

DW