Studies and reports continue to show that more pastors are abandoning their positions due to burnout and compassion fatigue. Pastoral leadership is dwindling, but the need for spiritual guidance and leadership is more important today than ever. The weight of the assignment to lead any size congregation is filled with highs and lows and inner strength, requiring leaders to take time to renew, refuel, and reposition themselves for the next level of spiritual growth and sustainability.
The role of a pastor is never one dimensional. In fact, pastors are part CEO, teacher, preacher, counselor, mentor, coach, and overseer just to name a few. They selflessly devote their time and energy empowering others, which can be both fulfilling and draining. As pastors fulfill their calling by helping members live a life of purpose; it is important to remain cognizant about your physical, mental, emotional, and psychological health. There are situations that affect you just as much as they affect your congregation. Pastors do not display the hard moments they endure for the sake of the call. Many suffer in silence, after all who counsels the pastor? Admittedly, ministry leaders have a responsibility to serve as support staff to the pastor and the community. The role of the ministry support staff will be discussed in a future article.
The consensus is as one pastor points out, “Christian leadership is about giving, not taking. It is about men and women who are secure enough and mature enough to empty themselves for the good of others” (Pastor David Mathis). While the truth resonates with most pastors it does however; open the gateway for further discussion to shed light on the ever growing concern of pastoral self-care.
So, let’s get candid about the need for self-care in ministry. It is easy for your own needs to be pushed to the back burner when demand for your attention and guidance is high. Instinctively, those in ministry give people what they need, while often forsaking their own needs.
This, however, raises questions that need to be explored.
Does sacrificing one’s own pursuit of spiritual growth come with the territory whenever someone accepts the calling to become a pastor or ministry leader? Does God automatically grant pastors spiritual growth on-the-job? Does the work pastors do every day double as an investment in their own spiritual development by default, as they lead others through this pursuit?
Sacrifice for the Call
Pastor Michael Swinney, a pastor in Camden, New Jersey, who utilizes social media for outreach and evangelism was interviewed to add depth and insight into this growing concern. He pastor’s a congregation in the industrial part of the city. He was kind enough to share his time in being transparent with his thoughts and views.
When asked why do the pastor’s sacrifice self-care for the sake of the calling and great commission? He asserts, ” A true man or woman of God has the heart of God. As Christ sacrificed His comfort to meet the needs of others; pastors have the same selfless heart to a fault. Sometimes a pastor can find himself losing himself because he can see the greatness in those served; striving with a zeal to accomplish what God has put in them.”
Pastors and leaders are committed to ensuring members are provided with pastoral care and spiritual guidance to navigate the unforeseen challenges of life. People run into inevitable storms of life, (i.e. spiritual, mental, and emotional obstacles) they take comfort in knowing that they can turn to their pastor for individualized, confidential, biblically-sound guidance served with empathy and love. Many times, you are the same pastor who’s been there for them throughout their life, guiding them through the stages of life and all that comes with it; births, baptisms, life changes, and death. You accepted this life and constantly study, train, and pray so that you are qualified and able to navigate these and other situations. Giving of yourself, your spiritual knowledge and gifts, your energy, and your time day in and day out is rewarding and a sure confirmation of the impact of your service.
Self-maintenance encompasses having a clear understanding of what is needed to refuel and renew the mind, body, and spirit. For pastors to renew and replenish themselves, several things must occur.
“First, you must always realize that even though you are a pastor you are still a servant. You must be selfish enough and wise enough to realize you cannot feed others while you starve. Leaders must realize that they have to eat, not to preach or teach; but eat to live. He eats for his growth in his relationship with God. He cannot be infatuated with his calling nor addicted to the results of the anointing of his life. Instead you must be immensely in love with Christ. You must remain intimate with the one who called you. There must be a balance between the spirit and natural renewing process.”- Pastor Michael Swinney
Next, the man or woman of God must try to have a healthy physical lifestyle. Exercise and maintaining a healthy diet are essential components of self-care. You want to make sure you are prepared physically, available spiritually, and equipped to handle the assignment God has given.
Spiritual Growth and Self-Care
Self-care has become a buzzword and even a mantra for many. Self-care must address your holistic needs. After all, you are giving yourself mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally so it’s only right that you replenishyourself in these same areas. Burnout (compassion fatigue) occurs when you care too much about others to address your own empty cup. So what are the signs of compassion fatigue in ministry? Research has shown that burn-out in ministry leaders consists of disengagement, lack of motivation, isolation, loss of pleasure and enjoyment, bottled emotions, and insomnia. These physical, behavioral, and emotional signs of burn out are prevalent amongst pastors and ministry leaders.
Scales (2016) conducted a study on five strategies to assist leaders in implementing self-care. For one, self-maintenance should consist of activities outside of the church such as exercise, reading, and mentorship. Every pastor needs a spiritual shepherd. An shepherd provides guidance, instruction, discipline, care, and sound wisdom to lead their children to safe pastures. There is safety in having this covering. You cannot be on an island to yourself or have a superman or wonder woman mentality without community and strong relationships. Being called to the ministry is not for the faint of heart.
Implementing Self-Care: Making Time for Renewal
The most successful, balanced, and effective leaders know how to make time for consistent self-maintenance. Here are just a few helpful thoughts on self-care from professionals who have found ways to maintain a full cup even after pouring into others each day.
“I have had to learn to set boundaries in my life to live and speak my truth. Self-care and taking time for myself is crucial, like disconnecting, getting out into nature, and going to the gym. Avoiding toxic people. I try to eat healthy and protect my anointing. I try to practice all the coping skills that I talk to members about; including remaining hopeful and faithful. I have to be cognizant about what my needs are at any given time.” –Pastor Michael Swinney, Certified Biblical Counselor
“SET UP NON-NEGOTIABLES! It is OK to say NO to people and YES to ourselves. Setting time to disengage and the internal locus of control to make sure that happens. It is up to leaders to decide whether self-care is necessary for a certain amount of time. Choosing to set hard boundaries are key.”- Karen Sullins, MS, LPC, Crisis Intervention Expert
“Pastors and leaders must be intentional about self-care in order to have a balance. An important aspect of self-care helps to reinforce a leader’s effectiveness to serve. Remember God requires his people to live life abundantly and enjoy life’s treasures and adventures. For me this means spending time with friends, family, and engaging in outdoor activities. Practicing self-care as a leader will affect those that follow you. So, it is vital for leaders to model the behavior they wish to see in those they lead.”- Mary Givens, MBA, Evangelist Warrior Hill
“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.”
-Anonymous
For more information on coaching and leadership management visit www.kbcbusiness.com