Ministry Burnout: A Hurdle, Not the End of Your Calling
Ministry burnout is an emotional, mental, and spiritual state of exhaustion experienced by individuals involved in pastoral and ministerial roles. It manifests as feelings of being overwhelmed, fatigued, and disheartened, often leading to a diminished passion for serving God’s people. This form of burnout can stem from numerous sources, including demanding workloads, challenging congregation dynamics, financial pressures, or personal life challenges. However, it’s crucial to recognize that experiencing ministry burnout doesn’t imply that your calling has extinguished. Read More From Word Partners.
Burnout might make one feel isolated, with some questioning if they are alone in this battle. However, many spiritual leaders, from ancient biblical figures like Elijah to modern pastors, have experienced times of weariness and disillusionment. This demonstrates that even the most fervent servants of God can sometimes feel drained.
In these trying times, it’s essential to remember that God’s grace and strength are unfailing. He can rejuvenate the weary soul and restore passion for the ministry. One of the ways God might guide a struggling individual back to their calling is through continued learning and growth.
The Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) offers free courses designed to rekindle that passion and provide spiritual nourishment. Diving deep into these courses can provide a fresh perspective, reminding one of the very reasons they felt called to serve. Studying God’s word, understanding church history, and learning pastoral care techniques can reignite the fire and passion for ministry.
However, sometimes, the solution to burnout isn’t just about learning; it’s about stepping back and taking a moment to reassess and reaffirm one’s commitment. The Christian Leaders Alliance provides an opportunity for individuals to do just that. By seeking ministerial credentials through the Alliance, one takes a definitive step in confirming their dedication to their calling. This process not only offers a chance for personal reflection but also provides recognition and affirmation from a broader community of faith leaders.
In conclusion, ministry burnout, while challenging, is not a sign of a diminished calling. Instead, it’s a reminder of the very human side of those who serve in the ministry. It’s an indication that even the most dedicated need rest, renewal, and, sometimes, a return to the basics of their faith. By leveraging resources like those at the Christian Leaders Institute and the Christian Leaders Alliance, one can find the restoration they need and the strength to continue embracing and fulfilling their divine calling.
From the Broken Road to the Narrow. Getting Beyond Ministry Burnout
Hello, my name is Jarrett Gonsalves and here’s a sneak peek into God’s repaving of the pathway of my heart and spirit. I’m a father of 3 and a husband to an amazing God-fearing wife. I live in the United States near central Kentuckiana but originally from the Hawaiian Islands. Many have asked how I ended this far inland and the reason could be summarized in one word—military.
As I was growing up, the lifestyle of the military became more of our religion than any faith-based religion that was available. All I knew was historically our family was considered catholic but I had zero understanding what that even meant. To me, it was just yet another organization that a supreme leader and we all follow. That was true until the whispers of Jesus that He spoke over my life since I was a child finally echoed loudly in my ears.
His Still Small Voice
Throughout my life, I had a special Auntie that Jesus just pressed on her heart so much to always speak His name over us. She constantly ushered in His presence by way of prayer, the gifting of my first bible, theological conversations even as a child. I believe at a young age that I had a sweet fondness of Jesus but I really didn’t understand what that meant until I was older. His whispers then were faint but evident.
Finally, our family settled into our last duty station in Kentucky. I was entering 8th grade at this point in time and a family friend invited our family to a baptist church. We never attended church other than catholic mass sporadically throughout my childhood; so I wasn’t sure what to think. Yet another whisper.
After that visit, my view on God changed dramatically. Shortly after, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and immediately committed myself to service. I was involved in a youth group, joined the choir and volunteered with as many ministries as my parents would allow me. It felt like everything was just going smoothly, but His whispers still remained faint.
I grew in my faith as I grew up. I led ministries, began new journeys, I worked on staff in several different capacities of churches, some at different times but often all at once. I did what I call now “busying myself for God”. I even got wrapped up in focusing on music ministry. Made connections on the tv show called “The Sound” which I was hoping would expand the music ministry dream I had. After that, I connected with several different christian artists and thought this is it! Dreams are coming true! Everything seemed to be going great, but His whispers were still whispers. So I pressed on but what I didn’t know at the time was what all seemed to be so perfect was actually the calm before the storm.
The Echoes in the Valleys
I believed that after I was saved that everything would be easier and I would be floating on clouds. That definitely was not the case! Personal, spiritual and ministry burnout was knocking at the door! Everything just flooded my life in a prolonged chaos that I just cannot explain without writing a novel. Everything from daily trials and tribulations to chaos from generational curses solidifying strongholds. It felt like my life just got flipped upside in the worst of ways. His whispers were evident but it was like attempting to hear someone over the thundering roars of a storm. At times it was so hard to hear Him that my faith began wavering with the waves of my battles.
Time and time again Jesus always showed up; rescuing me and placing me on a rock away from the reach of my enemies. Even then, I doubted Him. The valleys I’ve journeyed through have been dark, lonely, and lifeless which seemed to grab my attention in the moment more than the echoes of His voice that bounced off of the hillsides surrounding me. Despite my ignorance, He continued to whisper.
Let Go, Let God
It wasn’t until 2023 where I regained freedom from the oppression that I allowed to rule over my life. At this point, spiritual and ministry burnout stymied me. I stopped my involvement in all ministries, I was no longer attending bible college, I stopped writing worship music and even stopped attending church. I still believed that Jesus was Lord but I lost faith in my calling and purpose and replaced it with a lot of guilt and hurt.
Then a weekend retreat came up that my wife actually was supposed to attend but she ended up getting sick. She pleaded with me to push aside my hurt and attend the retreat. I opposed it but eventually I agreed. One of the best decisions of my life! I experience Jesus in such a way I never ever had. He woke up my dry bones and restored my faith in the calling over my life. I have such a deep love for Jesus that I just cannot explain!
With this renewed faith, I started to consider going back to bible college but the cost was way out of our budget. Then I remembered that in addition to my bible college courses, I had taken several courses with Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) on the side. I quickly restarted my program CLI and started completing courses immediately. I am also pursuing ordination options with the Christian Leaders Alliance. I hope to go as far as I can with CLI and CLA.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
Called to Lead: A Young Man’s Way to Training for Ordained Ministry
I’m Arild Edwin Ornedo, from Cavite, Philippines. I graduated with a degree in Associate of Computer Science in 2012. Then, I tried to continue studying Information Technology. However, I stopped for two and a half years due to financial difficulties. During that time, I worked with my family in our direct-selling business to support our finances. Then, when the opportunity came again, I took up a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing Management and finally finished in 2019. Then, I sensed that God was calling me to become an ordained minister, and now I’m with the Christian Leaders Institute to get training for ordained ministry and to pursue God’s purpose in my life.
First, let me give a little background on religious freedom in our country. Christianity in the Philippines is much approved. It is because the majority of our population professes Christianity or Roman Catholicism as their religion. They encourage the expression of faith and belief in God. Therefore, it’s a blessing to freely express my faith and study in an online Bible School like Christian Leaders Institute.
My Story
I grew up in a Catholic charismatic family that exercised various religious practices when we lived in Pasay City, Metro Manila. My dad was not into it, but my mom was devoted to it. She attended several gatherings near the city, sometimes bringing us with her. My mom taught me to do many rituals. These included praying the rosary, praying to saints, revering carved images, attending Sunday mass, offering prayers to the dead, and other extra-biblical practices. She also listened to the radio programs that encouraged the Catholic Charismatic faith. I also listened to the radio programs.
Then, at 9, we moved to where we currently live. I had to adjust from the old setting to the new neighborhood. When I was in 4th grade, one of our neighbors, my mom’s former classmate and friend, invited us to a worship service in the community. It was their church’s anniversary, so we went along. As a kid, I just attended and made myself available because I was brought there. However, it was the start of how God moved in my life and led me to be the man I would become.
New Direction
My mom got interested in the new fellowship that we visited. Our family was invited to a weekly small group Bible study at my mom’s friend’s house in the next couple of weeks. They also included me and my sister. However, I had no interest in attending because it was stuff done by the grown-ups, which had nothing to do with me as a young boy. They encouraged me to come to the weekly gathering by bribing me. After each Bible study, my friend’s mom let me play her children’s PlayStation. It was my kryptonite, and I was quickly caught in their trap.
After several weeks of participating in Bible studies, my family soon attended and joined in the weekly Sunday worship services. I went to the children’s Sunday School. At first, it was also hard for my mom to get me to attend. However, with consistent persuasion, I was encouraged to join in. Those were the moments when God planted the seeds of His Word in my heart at an early age. Little did I know that God was working and preparing me to be used for His glory.
Music Ministry
Weeks of attending turned into years of enjoying God’s presence and the fellowship of other believers. When I was 11 years old, my interest in music was piqued. I was fascinated by the music played at every worship service. Furthermore, after the worship services ended, I went to the stage and played the drums. I didn’t know how to play at first. However, with constant practice, I soon learned how to drum. I also learned other instruments with the support of my parents and inspiration from other musicians.
Those older than me on the worship team also noticed my interest and ability to play the instruments. So they invited me to play at the youth services. Eventually, I even played in a special number at a worship anniversary. Then, when one of the members was about to go abroad for his job, they asked me to be one of their regular musicians. Being on the worship team was my stepping stone into ministry.
Challenges and Growing in Christ
At first, I didn’t bother about the “spiritual” requirements that a worship minister must possess and exercise. My passion for music was what mattered, and music was the reason I was there. Even though my motives were wrong, God touched my heart as I served in this ministry. Gradually, He gave me a heart of worship and service to Him. Little by little, I immersed myself in prayer, meditating on His Word and other spiritual disciplines. That increased and strengthened my faith. I also got to know God personally through my affiliation with the worship team. That led to my whole-hearted surrender to Jesus, and I entirely entrusted my life to Him. God revealed Himself to me, and I ultimately offered up my life to Him. Furthermore, I’m still a member of our worship team, and God also entrusted me with leading the young adults of our local church.
However, growing in the faith and into spiritual maturity doesn’t come without challenges. When I first committed myself to Christ and the ministry, I had difficulty developing spiritual discipline habits. Though I knew the importance of daily Bible reading and prayer, I didn’t have the discipline or the consistency to do those. Therefore, I often missed out on meditation and prayer. Aside from that, some sinful practices prevented me from letting God’s purpose be fulfilled in my life. It, therefore, hindered my spiritual maturity. Thankfully, God, in His mercy and grace, patiently led me to freedom from a lifestyle of sin and into a life of holiness, righteousness, and purity.
More Growing Pains
Aside from those, my family was well off financially as my dad had a decently paying job. However, it was not all the time. There were times when we faced financial difficulties. We got into debt and didn’t know where to get money to provide for our basic needs or to pay the bills. Furthermore, my struggles in my studies due to financial constraints were a significant blow, so I thought I could never finish my studies.
Health problems in our family were also significant hurdles. In the last decade, I was hospitalized twice, first due to Appendicitis and second due to Dengue fever. In 2021, we were all caught up with COVID-19, and my dad almost died of the illness. All these health concerns led to financial struggles as well. In all these struggles, God made Himself known to me as the sovereign King who controls my life. Without Him, I’m nothing. Time and time again, God used all these experiences for me to completely surrender everything to Him and entrust my life into His hands. At first, I wanted to do things my way. My self-centered dreams focused on temporary, short-term (compared to eternity) goals like financial freedom and material possessions.
Called to Get Training for Ordained Ministry
However, God changed all that, redirected me to His path, and gave me a desire to serve Him. My pastors and leaders noticed as I progressed in my ministry on the worship team and leadership in the young adults. They told me that I have the potential to minister to a higher calling as a pastor. I doubted myself at first and wondered if I was fit for the role. Further, I have some insecurities and doubts. But God has consistently called me into the ministry of shepherding His flock and preaching the Word.
I looked at how to get training for ordained ministry. However, all the programs and degrees I saw came with a fee I couldn’t afford. Then I came across the Christian Leaders Institute, which offers tuition-free training for ordained ministry and programs for all aspiring ministers like me. I quickly enrolled and started some courses. I am getting the training for ordained ministry to become a well-equipped ordained minister.
God has something better in store for me and has given me the dreams He has in His heart. Being in our local church’s ministry, I want to see people come to know Jesus, have a personal connection with Him, and let His purpose be fulfilled in their lives. Further, I want His glory to manifest in every person, small group, gathering, and fellowship. With God’s guidance, I know He will fulfill His purpose in my life and accomplish His good, pleasing, and perfect will. All glory to God alone!
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
From Flawed and Shattered Pieces to a Brand New Vessed
My name is Nontuthuzelo G. Dlamini from South Africa. Friends and family call me Mantu or Mama Khumo. Nontuthuzelo is a Xhosa name in English that means “mother of comfort.” I am also a student at the Christian Leaders Institute, a tuition-free online Bible training institution.
Escaping Violent Childhood Trauma
I witnessed the murder of my father by his brother when I was five. After that, we continued to live with my father’s brother as if nothing happened. He frequently beat me and my sisters to “discipline” us for things like losing a jersey or shoes at school, etc. It made me grow up an angry child. As the second oldest of five girls, I had no trust in anyone and took it upon myself to protect my siblings. The only person that made me feel human was my mother. Life at home was brutal and cruel. However, Mom did all she could to make things “normal” for us. I always wanted to escape from my house at uMlazi, one of South Africa’s big Townships in the south of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal.
Before I found my way out, the only “escape” from reality was to bury myself in books. I read a lot – anything I could lay my hands on. I wrote songs and poems to express myself. Daily physical exercise helped me to “let steam off.” I dreamt about leaving home every day.
How The Lord Jesus Found My Family and Me
When one of my school friends invited me to a Student Christian Movement prayer after school on the 9th of April 1987, I accepted the invitation. Little did I know that Christ would meet me in that prayer meeting. I was just thirteen years old. The same friend invited me to her Church, Oasis of Life, Pastored by Themba and Lulu Mthethwa. Experiencing the love of Jesus Christ and genuine love from total strangers at Oasis of Life Family Church opened a whole new world for me. Love drew me closer to Christ and provided the “escape” I so deeply desired out of the life I knew until then. Learning to pray also taught me to express myself to Jesus and find comfort freely.
I told my family about my new-found salvation in Jesus Christ. Further, I invited them to my new Church, which had become my second home. In 1991, most of the family accepted Christ, and things changed. The Name of the Lord became my Strong Tower – I ran to HIM and was SAFE. My mother, aunts, and my father’s brother all accepted Christ. My grandmother, who was a “sangoma,” burnt all her “sangoma stuff,” including her “ancestral shrine,” when she gave her life to Christ later in that same year. Therefore, my home turned from a place of torture to a place of worship.
If The Son Sets You Free, You Are Free Indeed
I was studying towards a 3-year full-time Human Resources Diploma since 1990 at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (then Technikon). I desired to work with people. I excelled in my studies. By God’s grace, I got a scholarship in my first and second year from one of the major Banks in the country (Standard Bank) and a Government bursary in 3rd year that came with a guaranteed job at the end of my studies. My family had eternal life in the kingdom of God. Therefore, when I graduated from tertiary, I finally prepared to leave home for work.
At 19, I moved to Gauteng Province to start working in Pretoria. When South Africa celebrated freedom from the apartheid regime to democracy in 1994, I was quietly celebrating my independence as a working young adult. Jesus kept me grounded in Him.
At 23, I married my love and best friend of six years. He was an Usher, and I was in Praise and Worship. Two years later, after some medical exams, the Doctors informed us that we could not have children. We had several medical procedures done over five years. We never doubted God would give us a child. Therefore, when I was 29, our firstborn, Khumo, arrived strong and healthy. Three years later, I fell pregnant again but suffered a miscarriage at six weeks. A year after that, our second son, Nqoba, was born. We had two healthy miracle babies.
Divorce and Life as a Single Parent
Our 12-year marriage, unfortunately, came to an end in 2008 after two years of counseling. We divorced and separated ways. I had full custody of the boys. While healing from the divorce, the Lord Jesus was my source of strength. I buried myself in books again and upgraded my Diploma to a 4-year degree. To date, I’m still with our two sons, who have endured a lot of challenges resulting from the divorce. However, God kept them grounded. They have grown to be young men who love and fear God. Khumo is a second-year college student, and Nqoba is in his final High School year.
Serving The Lord, My Calling, and CLI
Working in the government and later working in corporate environments, I worked with people. However, there was always a limit to how these people could be drawn closer to Christ. This created a void that I avoided confronting for years.
Throughout my walk with Christ, I served in various ministries. These included Praise and Worship and Pastoral Care. I currently lead Bible Study Teachings at my local Church as well as the Youth Ministry on a part-time basis. Working with young people and navigating through their challenges often reminds me of where the Lord took me from.
I searched online after an encouraging conversation with one of my church Elders regarding full-time Ministry earlier this year. I searched for a Bible training institution where I could study for Ministry. That’s how I came across CLI, which offered free online courses as a Bible training institution. I could register without finding the money to pay and study at my own pace. What an offering! Thank you, CLI!
CLI: a Bible Training Institution
Since registering, I have found very interactive training material, an engaging CLI community network, and, most importantly, a challenge to true discipleship as it is in the Word of God. All the coursework, including this class, confirmed that my childhood desire to “work with people” was a call to work for the Kingdom of God. It confronts the void I have avoided for years.
When Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga, in one of the video classes, asked, “What have you been saved from?” I wasn’t sure how to answer that. However, after looking back to where the Lord Jesus saved me, I see how Jesus took the pieces of my flawed and broken life and put them together to form an entirely new being in Him. Then, He called me into the Ministries I currently serve in. Therefore, I have the answer and look forward to the journey ahead.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.