Burn out

I remember when I was in school that some older preachers told us that there will come a time when you feel ineffective and burned out. At the time I thought 'not me, never.' I realized recently that much of my own apathy comes from this very thing. It may seem odd that a preacher would feel that way, but I do. I look at what is going on around me and most of the time now I just want to run away from it. I love the Lord and His church but wonder if I shouldn't be doing something else. I wont, because I have a sense of calling. I think it is important for us to realize that the most physically and mentally taxing work is that which involves the lives of others. It is not escapism. It is a reality that must be faced. I write this because I feel weak as a minister. I also believe that an unhealthy dependency and expectation is placed on the preacher far too many times. Ministers have families that often viewed as disposable at the cost of the peace with a far more important complaint. I hope this doesn't seem to vulnerable, it was hard for me to write.

I have learned that the path way to burn out is as follows:

1. Allow complaints to dictate what you do.

2. Hang out with gossips.

3. Though your to be available 24/7 you better not take the time needed to relax.

4. When you finally feel burned out, just accept apathy as the norm.

I am thankful for what I do and would never consider anything else but doubt is creeping in. If you are in the same place distinguish between burn out and laziness and take the time needed to regroup, it will leave you much more effective. God bless and peace.