Season 2, Episode 7: The Spiritual Burnout Society
Nov 16, 2023
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This podcast discusses the increasing pressure and expectations faced by pastors, the signs of burnout in Christianity, and overcoming spiritual burnout. They also explore the challenges of deconstruction and finding freedom in structured habits. The episode concludes with countercultural practices in the church to reclaim the life Jesus intended for us.
Stacking expectations on pastors has contributed to the rise of the Great Resignation among clergy.
Social media comparison adds to the pressure and stress felt by pastors, making rest and contentment difficult to find.
The recent crises have exacerbated the stress and burnout experienced by pastors, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Deep dives
The Great Resignation and Stacking Expectations
The rise of the Great Resignation among clergy can be attributed to the stacking expectations placed upon them. Over the years, pastors have been expected to not only be experts in scripture, but also to handle sacraments, provide therapy, be CEOs, social commentators, and activists. These expectations have become overwhelming and unsustainable, leading many pastors to leave their positions.
Social Media Comparisons and Pastor Burnout
Social media has contributed to the burnout of pastors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pastors and churches started offering online services, which opened the door for comparison with other churches worldwide. This constant comparison added to the pressure and stress felt by pastors, making it difficult for them to find rest and contentment.
The Stress Fracture and Increasing Pastoral Burnout
The recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have exacerbated the stress and burnout experienced by pastors. These crises have not brought people together, but instead have created more divisions and fractures within society and the church. A survey showed that 38% of pastors considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year due to immense stress and feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Spiritual Burnout and the Loss of Passion
Spiritual burnout is not exclusive to pastors, but affects Christians in general. Events throughout history, as well as examples in the Bible, show that spiritual disillusionment and the loss of passion have been experienced by many. Burnout is not just a result of physical or emotional exhaustion, but also a spiritual problem that affects one's relationship with God and desire for spiritual things.
Reconstructing Faith and Finding Rest in Christ
In the midst of burnout and disillusionment, it is important to find rest and rediscover our identity and security in Christ. Instead of relying on our own efforts and setting unattainable expectations, we need to lean into the practices of the faith and allow our habits to align with our beliefs. By incorporating spiritual disciplines, embracing limitations, and returning to foundational practices like scripture reading, prayer, Sabbath, and intentional relationships within the church, we can move towards a healthier spiritual life and find rest in Christ.
For the past few years, sociologists and journalists have been describing millennials as “the burnout generation.” Now, there are reports that burnout and stress are on the rise with Gen Z as well. And then there’s the reality of spiritual burnout, the inability to feel the presence and power of God, a loss of desire for spiritual things. In the Bible, we see examples of spiritual disillusionment, from the frustrations of Moses as he led the children of Israel, to Elijah fleeing into the wilderness, feeling isolated and forgotten. Read the writings of monks in monasteries in medieval times and, even there, you find similar battles with spiritual apathy, a loss of passion and compassion. Burnout isn’t just a pastor problem. It isn’t just a workplace problem. It’s a spiritual problem, and this challenge affects the church.
On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he asks why burnout is happening and how we can respond.
