Max Lucado on returning to the true meaning of Christmas, pastoral burnout and a health update (exclusive)
Advice for pastors struggling with burnout
A longtime pastor whose books have sold more than 92 million copies in 54 languages worldwide, Lucado is no stranger to the challenges ministry leaders face, particularly ahead of the holidays.
“COVID really took its toll on pastors,” he reflected. “We had churches that were severely divided, some wanting to meet in person, others saying that you're way out of line if you meet in person; some reacting to the vaccine, others all in favor of the vaccine. And then the political climate: some pastors told me that they were receiving letters from church members telling them how to preach sermons in favor or opposed to a certain political candidate. So it just got all jumbled up.”
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Lucado, who has been open about his own experiences with burnout early in his ministry, offered three key pieces of encouragement to those on the brink. First, he reminded pastors of their calling and assured them that if they are called by God, they will be equipped by God, even if the equipping feels delayed.
“This is a calling, it's an assignment. And it's a short life that I lead, and my assignment is to bring God's Word to people as faithfully as possible,” he said.
Second, he advised pastors not to be their own worst critics, recognizing that despite the occasional failings of some, there are thousands of dedicated clergy bringing positive change to their communities.
“We pastors tend to beat ourselves up," he said. "I know that there are pastors who have been immoral, publicly or inappropriate with people, or who misled their church or embezzled funds. But I’ve got to tell you, for every one of those, there are 5,000 good, godly men and women who have served churches, quietly and sincerely, who have visited the sick, who have called on the poor, who have encouraged the discouraged who have brought sermons, and done so week after week after week.”
Lastly, he encouraged pastors to seek help when they recognize signs of burnout, such as resentment toward their congregation or a loss of joy in their work.
“I can recall that was a struggle I had,” he shared. “It’s been 20 years now, but I can remember like it was yesterday. When I would get a call from a church member, I would just get resentful. And sometimes, even to my own staff, I'd say, ‘Just leave me alone,' just that edge that is not befitting."
"If you feel like you're unable to manage the stress, anxiety, insomnia … if you feel like you've lost all joy in doing what you do, then I think that I would go to my church and I would say, ‘I'm in a drought. And I don't know quite what to do.’ Come clean with your church, and try to get some help. You're not in this by yourself. It's not always going to be like this; you're going through a tough season. Take the necessary steps and you'll be back in the saddle before you know it.”
For aspiring pastors, Lucado stressed the seriousness of the vocation and advised against preaching unless one feels a compelling, almost inescapable call to do so. He expanded the concept of ministry beyond the pulpit, highlighting the essential roles of counseling, administration and leading youth, among others.
“Don't preach unless you have to. But if you have to, preach,” Lucado advised. “If there's a burning in your bones, if there's a longing in your heart ... then do it. But if it's just a vocation, if it's just a career path or if you see it as a good way to make a living, probably not best, because that won't sustain you. If you feel called to preach, make sure it's burning in your bones.”
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]
