Hard working pastors and burnout

Recently the New York Times ran this interesting article on exhaustion in the ministry and how more denominations and churches are trying to make sure that pastors take a day off (aka a Sabbath).  The article points to lots of factors contributing to the overwork of pastors, ranging from spouses entering the workforce to shrinking congregations.

I’m a practical theologian so I tend to look to theological roots behind behaviors.   When it comes to my own tendencies to overwork, I’ve been greatly influenced by Louie Giglio who says that if God is the great “I am,” that makes us the great “I am not.”

God is the shepherd.  I am not.

God is the worker.  I am not.

I am not.  I am not.  I am not.

It’s so much easier for me to take a day off, unplug from e.mail, and truly enjoy the Lord and my dear friends and family when I realize that God is God.  And I am not.

©2010 Fuller Youth Institute