I never thought it could happen to me... overworked, betrayal, pride, and the forces of evil have brought me to a very, very dark place after 29 years in ministry. Never say never...I lasted 29 years but through an evil multiple assault I was over come. Please pray for me I am weakened daily. Take care of yourselves... ignorance, pride, naivety, over confidence in myself, and denial along with the forces of evil have overcome me. Come before the Lord will humility, discernment, and honesty and ask, LORD, REVEAL TO ME...my arrogance and humble and heal me before it is too late.
Broken
Nevalon Mitchell,JR (Registered User)
Posted: December 27, 2007
Personally person need to establish boundaries and a set of goals and objectives prior to every adventure in life. Trust in The Lord and taking care of oneself wil always prove to be a winner!!!!
Puzant (Guest)
Posted: November 09, 2007
Since I recently experienced burnout , I learned that there is no alternative to have meaningful and systematic quiet time with the Lord. Have the attitude of resting in Jesus, giving all to Him, and being vulnerable in the front of your heavenly Father. express to Him your anger and resentment, and also surrender to His wisdom and holy Will. Collapse in His strong all-powerful arms , and say to Him "embrace me Father, embrace me". Experience His unfailing love to you.
Also find a "listening ear" (a mentor) who will "absorb" your fears and struggles.This ,along with taking sabbaticals, exercising, eating healthy and sleeping well,are necessary and helpful, but meaningful quiet time with Lord is an absolute.
Sheree (Guest)
Posted: October 12, 2007
It is good to have a small "inner circle" of prayer partners (2 or 3) that form a "three-fold cord" relationship with you. They could be from outside the church fellowship ... people you trust and have a mutual respect for. These can be objective and focused on praying for you as the minister. Make friends outside your church... people you can exercise with, have lunch, go for a run on the beach. TIME OUT is the key - mental sabbatical from ministry where you are not "giving out" and a physical workout to keep the body in shape for the longterm. Family is also vital. Make sure you cultivate your fellowship with close family. They'll always be there for you when you need them. Don't shut them out in time of stress.
Lastly, keep your eyes on the goal - the reason you entered the ministry... keep your passion HOT.
Jen (Guest)
Posted: September 14, 2007
For me, it's been being intentional about putting a plan in place, based on my own needs (not based on the needs that I "should" have). I've found a personal spiritual director who has promised to check in with me and help me grow. I've also had to start thinking about planning in physical activity, like biking and working out, to make sure that I do them. It sounds structured, but without these things in place I could easily slip into doing way too much and being burned out.
