I found the following article on the Acts29 Blog helpful:Â The Troubled Souls of Pastors. In it, the author Scott Thomas gives some very practical advice to Pastors who are burned out. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the ministry. Even more so in pionneering contexts, and in small churches where so much is expected of the pastor. The article came from his meeting the widow of a pastor who had commited suicide, a sobering reminder of our own weaknesses.
Scott Thomas first lists a few symptoms of a troubled soul:
- Minimal longing for Jesus
- Minimal joy and gladness
- Minimal dependence on God
- Maximal thoughts of self
- Maximal burdens of ministry
- Maximal outbursts of anger (masked fear)
Then, he gives 7 Possible Solutions to a Troubled Soul:
1. Renew your mind with prolonged Scripture reading
2. Pray with an unhurried heart
3. Confess the hidden sins of your heart
4. Live in true community with others and allow them to truly know you.
5. Review your calling by God.
6. Review the goals and strategies you have for your life
7. Rest in God’s grace, love and acceptance of you
Read the whole article at: The Troubled Souls of Pastors