My friend Jonathan Dodson is a dynamic preacher and prolific author. He is one of those guys that seems to be crushing it in every area of life. Maybe that’s why I was a little surprised to see an announcement from him saying that he was completely spent. He admitted to feeling hurt by ministry betrayals and felt too weak to continue pastoring. He needed a break.

Fortunately, his church gave him one. The elders prayed for him and gave him two months off. What Dodson experienced is far from unique. Many in ministry find themselves at the end of their rope. If that’s you, I’d encourage you to read Dodson’s reflection on his experience. His story may help you “open our hearts to God’s redemptive work in pastoral pain.”

The best way to deal with burnout is to avoid it in the first place. Our resource on the topic will help you do just that. How to Prevent Ministry Burnout features tips from experts who have been through burnout and know some of the causes. The articles help keep your priorities in order, your integrity high, and your attitude positive when things get tough.