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Main => Gospel Music Lounge => Topic started by: JustBritt on May 25, 2011, 01:03:07 AM
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Has anyone ever felt worn out, burnt out, or just plain............tired from ministry? How do you deal with it?
I've never really heard of taking "breaks" until I joined this site, (or maybe until I met LalyaRue). But I thought about it and realized I have heard of it because my pastor goes on a month vacation every year.
If you needed a "break" how would you approach your pastor about it? How would you approach the ministry in which you're taking a break from? What if your pastor denies you a break, what then??? Can you continue serving in that ministry all worn out???
Am I asking too many questions? LOL
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No, you're not asking too many questions!
I've dealt with this before. Let me share with you this: From 2005 (or 06) to 2009 I went about 200+ straight Sundays playing without taking a Sunday off. I took my first Sunday off in July of 2009 and it felt great! From that point on, I've decided to take at least 2 Sundays off per year. But to be honest, I have felt tired and worn out many times! The best thing to do is to take time off! When was the last time you had a break or a Sunday off?
Basically, I would meet with the pastor (not to be nosey but are you getting paid?) and let her know that you'll be out so and so Sunday (or 2). If your pastor is human, they should understand the need of taking a break. EVERYONE needs a break and I've learned this the hard way. Britt, we can't be effective in our work if we're worn out and tired! Everyone needs a time of refreshing. If the pastor denies you a break, I would seriously consider getting ready to leave that church because that would be ridiculous!
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I thought about you the last day or two. Nothing wrong with taking a break. It good to get by yourself and go do something. I will also say take some of that time off and spend it in prayer and bible study. If you don't have close fellowship with saved friends you should start. These things should revive you. Sometimes I come to church late so I can just sit in the congregation and enjoy service. Usually I sit in the back or middle to get the complete worship experience. It kinda helps you to refocus on what is important.
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@ Churchy, I need more than just a Sunday or two lol. I've taken off on a Sunday before. But I don't think I'll leave if I'm not giving the opportunity to take a break.
@ MM, Thanks, it's nice to be thought about lol.
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@ Churchy, I need more than just a Sunday or two lol. I've taken off on a Sunday before. But I don't think I'll leave if I'm not giving the opportunity to take a break.
@ MM, Thanks, it's nice to be thought about lol.
Why not?
And take 1-2 months off....LOL!
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Last week made 4 months I've been on sabbatical, and guess what? The church has not fallen apart in my absence.
Need a break, take a break. We make some things bigger than they are. This, to me, is common sense.
Handle your business by giving verbal and written notice first to your superior(s) then to your co-laborers/team, then by tying up loose ends and passing your responsibilities to someone else - and then take your break. *shrug*
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Last week made 4 months I've been on sabbatical, and guess what? The church has not fallen apart in my absence.
Need a break, take a break. We make some things bigger than they are. This, to me, is common sense.
Handle your business by giving verbal and written notice first to your superior(s) then to your co-laborers/team, then by tying up loose ends and passing your responsibilities to someone else - and then take your break. *shrug*
Well said!
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Last week made 4 months I've been on sabbatical, and guess what? The church has not fallen apart in my absence.
Need a break, take a break. We make some things bigger than they are. This, to me, is common sense.
Handle your business by giving verbal and written notice first to your superior(s) then to your co-laborers/team, then by tying up loose ends and passing your responsibilities to someone else - and then take your break. *shrug*
Couldna said it better myself!!!
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Rue Rue has spoken, end of thread!!! :D :D :D
You know Britt, Lakeland is still a pretty awesome place to visit. *hint hint* ;)
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I decided, that I'll take a break. Soon as August come around. I have to stay for this month and next month since the Pastor is on vacation and the co-pastor wants to put on revival's and what not.
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That's good! In the meantime try to find some "mini" breaks until you take your "main" break. Sometimes a break of any kind can be the mental liberation you need.
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I decided, that I'll take a break. Soon as August come around. I have to stay for this month and next month since the Pastor is on vacation and the co-pastor wants to put on revival's and what not.
Good. That gives you two months to prepare. In the next two weeks or so, you should inform your pastor of your intention to take a xx-day sabbatical/rest/break/vacation from xxxx date to xxxx date. Let her know what plans you have for making sure your ministry area is covered in full. Then, spend the next 4-6 weeks ironing out the details, making sure everyone and everything is in place so that there are no negative ramifications to your absence.
One thing I've learned is that when God gives you an assignment, you are responsible for that assignment whether you're there or not. That can be tough to balance, but He'll give you grace just for your effort.
As I've said, this weekend will be my first time returning to GKC since January 16th. But I made doggone-sure that there were no gaps left from my absence, and I continue to work with my team in a modified role - answering questions, proofreading, drafting, advising, etc. The stress level was much lower, and I have peace in knowing that I haven't abandoned my assignment.
The key take-away from this story: don't drop the ball, and enjoy your time off.
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Gimme a break...Gimme a break...Break me off a piece of that...... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
(http://www.billy-ball.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/kitkat.jpg)
*Sorry I couldn't resist. Shoot da word done been preached...it's time to eat!!
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Gimme a break...Gimme a break...Break me off a piece of that...... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
([url]http://www.billy-ball.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/kitkat.jpg[/url])
*Sorry I couldn't resist. Shoot da word done been preached...it's time to eat!!
NOOOOOOO!
BREAK ME OFF A PIECE OF THAT.....HALLELUJAH.......BREAK ME OFF A PIECE OF THAT.....PPPRRRRRRAAAAIIIIIIISSSSSSEEEE E!!!
;D :D
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I plan on doing all of that. I already had last Sunday off and will have this Sunday off. This 5 yr who has a crush on me (he goes to my church) invited me to his graduation ceremony. I'll be at the early morning service though.
And LOL @ mental liberation!
I have a feeling though, that after August my schedule is gonna be crazzyy! Especially since school, then I registered for private dance class and voice, PLUS my HS chorus teacher just recently started the alumni choir again. :-\
Not to mention I was supposed to be starting a youth praise team, but I keep holding off. I'll probably start after August. IDK.
Yeah.... I'm just rambling lol.
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NOOOOOOO!
BREAK ME OFF A PIECE OF THAT.....HALLELUJAH.......BREAK ME OFF A PIECE OF THAT.....PPPRRRRRRAAAAIIIIIIISSSSSSEEEE E!!!
;D :D
Break me off a piece of that Hallelujah! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuEwY1vW4hQ#)
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LOL!!!!!!
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Break me off a piece of that Hallelujah! ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuEwY1vW4hQ#[/url])
Not her again! LOL.... Lawwwwddddd.
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My side is hurting laughing at that clip....LOL :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D