Youth Ministry Burnout

I recently posted a comment on another blogger's site about youth ministry burnout and thought I would post a condensed version here. There are many opinions on the Internet concerning youth ministry burnout. There are all kinds of plans and programs to address the burnout. Some people say to do more ministry while others say do less. But I see youth ministry burnout as a symptom of a greater hurt.

I myself have only been in youth ministry for nearly 15 years and at various points in serving I have felt burnt out. When this happens you have to check yourself. Are you absolutely sure you are called into ministry? It's between you and God, but was your calling ordained in some way. Are you struggling with sin? Just because people call you pastor doesn't mean you aren't human and capable of sin. Confront it, ask God's forgiveness about it, quit it, and get some accountability. Are you a fit for your church or is your church a fit for you? This is a broad question, but you have to be honest with yourself. For example, do you find yourself complaining about any aspect of your church? Does your personal theology match up with the church theology? Does your church require more of you than you can give? Do you require from the church more than they can give? I am not talking about money here, but things such as spiritual guidance or opportunities to be challenged in other areas of ministry.

This is the shortlist for self examination when I felt burnt out and not useful to God. Once you figure some of these things out you have to act on them.

If you can identify with any of this and want a prayer partner in this area send me an email.