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Strength isn’t about ignoring exhaustion; it’s about recognizing limitations and making wise adjustments.
Having been a Christian now almost longer than I haven’t, it feels like I’ve heard it all. As I think of the lies we believe about burnout and rest I’m remembering a time a few years ago I sat in front of a crying pastor’s wife. She shared the burden of her husband’s overwhelm and burnout. I remember her frustration over the lies her husband was believing.
“He’s so strong and faithful, but he thinks he’s weak because he’s exhausted.”
The story goes on…
She is not the only one who has battled for her husband against lies our culture seems to embrace.
We have seen so many pastors exhausted, burned out or about to be, unwilling to share with their family or their boss because they don’t think their faith is not strong enough and they don’t want anyone to know.
There is truth…but let’s start with the lies.
3 Lies Christians Believe About Burnout
Burnout in ministry isn’t just a result of overwork—it’s also fueled by false beliefs that keep leaders trapped in exhaustion and guilt. Many well-intentioned Christians buy into harmful myths about burnout, which only make things worse.
Lie #1: Burnout Means You’re Weak
One of the biggest misconceptions is that experiencing burnout is a sign of weakness or failure. Leaders often feel pressured to push through exhaustion, believing they just need to be tougher, stronger, or more committed. But burnout isn’t a character flaw—it’s a warning sign that something isn’t right.
Even Jesus took time to rest, retreating from the crowds to pray and recharge. Strength isn’t about ignoring exhaustion; it’s about recognizing limitations and making wise adjustments.
Lie #2: Faithful Christians Shouldn’t Struggle with Burnout
Some believe that if you’re truly walking in faith, burnout shouldn’t be an issue. The thinking goes: If I just trust God more, He will sustain me. While faith is absolutely essential, God never asks us to give more than what He can lead us through. We must learn to assess what is non negotiable and what can wait.
Paul, Elijah, and even Moses experienced moments of exhaustion and discouragement. The Bible doesn’t condemn them for it—instead, God provided rest, support, and renewed strength. Burnout isn’t a spiritual failure; it’s a sign that something needs to change.
Lie #3: You Should Be Able to Wear All the Hats
Many ministry leaders feel like they have to do everything: preach, counsel, lead worship, organize events, and handle administrative work. But Scripture teaches the body of Christ is made up of many members, each with unique gifts and roles.
Trying to do everything alone isn’t faithfulness—it’s inefficiency and exhaustion waiting to happen. Delegation isn’t about giving up responsibility; it’s about empowering others to serve effectively and sustainably.
Breaking Free from These Lies
Burnout thrives in isolation and shame, but freedom begins with challenging these false beliefs and embracing a healthier, biblical approach to ministry.
If you’ve believed these lies, you’re not alone. In the next post, we’ll explore how to build a sustainable approach to leadership that honors both your calling and your well-being.
Stay tuned—there’s a better way forward!
Quick strategies to implement to avoid burnout:
1. Ruthless Prioritization
- Not everything is urgent, and not everything is yours to do.
- Identify what ONLY you can do, delegate the rest.
2. Strategic Delegation
- If you don’t trust others to help, you’ll drown alone.
- Empower capable people with real responsibility (not just busywork).
- Equip, train, and release others to lead.
3. Clear Ministry Vision
- Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint—pace yourself.
- Set work hours and honor them.
- Say “no” without guilt (even to “good” things).
4. Gospel-Driven, Not Guilt-Driven Work
- Your worth is in Christ, not in how much you produce.
- Stop confusing faithfulness with overwork.
- Trust that God can handle things without you running yourself into the ground.
5. Build a Culture of Rest & Sustainability
- Model healthy leadership—your team will follow your example.
- Normalize Sabbath, real breaks, and not overextending.
- Ministry should inspire, not crush people.
These aren’t just “nice ideas”—they’re essential if you want to lead well without burning out. 🚀 Which one do you need to implement first?
Thank you so much for sharing your time with us. Cedar Creek Ministries is funded by Christians and churches who believe in the call to offer our leaders the double portion! If you feel the desire to make sure all those men and women called to serve God in missions and ministry have everything they need to personally rest, restore family relationships, and revive ministry vision, consider joining us in regular prayer and financial support!
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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries.
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