RED FLAGS THAT PRODUCE THE WHITE FLAGS! (THE SEMINAR FOR THOSE WHO DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO COME)
The term "Burn Out" is heard more and more often in ministry. To some "Burn out" signals a mere change ... to others a total defeat ... sitting among the burned out ashes of what once was! Let's look into "Burn out." Remember "burn-out" isn't a Scriptural term.
- DEFINITION: How do we define "Burn Out" ? The question is directed to those of us who are in ministry yet aren't we in fact borrowing a secular term? Does "burn out" to some mean "Cop out"? Too often "Burn out" is defined by its symptoms rather than its cause ... the very conditions that can reveal the cause.
A simple definition of "Burn out" might be: A Spiritual dryness or physical condition that results in fatigue and loss of vision.
- SYMPTOMS: What are the common symptoms of "Burn Out"? What are the red flags that indicate caution? The constant feeling of plodding. Mechanical function. Constant fatigue. No spiritual vitality or joy. Feeling alone. Wandering in a spiritual desert. Defeated and discouraged. These and many more form the dangerous red flags.
- CAUSES: What are the causes of "Burn Out"? Lets look at some common factors that contribute to true "Burn out."
- Unrealistic goals and expectations resulting in frustration and lack of fulfillment.
- Operating beyond our spiritual resources. No time for the Word and/or little interest in it.
- Lack of commitment to the long haul! Lack of resolve! Hidden option. I can move on if necessary. Commitment an essential attitude!
- Lack of vision (myopic!) Not really seeing the potential of what could be, and understanding that it takes work and time before we get fruit.
- Ministering with the wrong motives. Doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons.
- Poor physical health. Fast pace. Junk foods and no exercise. A real bad combination! ( I Tim.4:16 ) Key! (1) Diet and (2) Exercise.
- Unrealistic goals and expectations resulting in frustration and lack of fulfillment.
- PREVENTION: How do we prevent "Burn Out"? Working on the following seven areas will provide a healthy ministry environment free from the threat of "Burn out."
- GOALS: Making goals that are realistic as well as increments that are realistic. This is essential to realizing progress and the feeling of fulfillment we all need. (Stay long enough to see the fruit of your ministry.)
- POWER: Place as your highest priority "Spiritual power." First: an ongoing intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Second: Good praying friends.
- COMMITMENT: The resolve to stick with it no matter what. The times that are the hardest are when we grow and learn the most. IF we stick with it! ... and that's an attitude! What destroys commitment are options! The option to quit! The white flag!
- VISION: It is essential to have a clear vision of what can be ... to see the true potential and to develop a realistic understanding of what it will take to realize that vision. In most cases hard work and long hours !
- MOTIVE: Keeping our motives pure. Serving the Lord and committing to Him because we love Him!. This takes constant (honest) surveillance.
- HEALTH: The body we live in ... the vehicle we use each day, needs to be in good shape. Maintained! The ministry is hard on the body. Hard on health! The right food. The right exercise. The right rest. Self discipline required!
- FRIENDS! Acquire several good healthy friends. Loners are good candidates for "burn out" Friends can energize us and help keep everything in perspective ... most of all they can pray for us. Get people praying for you ... you need it!
- GOALS: Making goals that are realistic as well as increments that are realistic. This is essential to realizing progress and the feeling of fulfillment we all need. (Stay long enough to see the fruit of your ministry.)