In a Pastoral Identity Crisis? Go Beyond Burnout and Remember Your Identity in Christ

When Ministry Burnout Leaves You Empty

I imagine that some of you feel like you have nothing left to give. Perhaps you’re in a period in which motivation has morphed into varying degrees of despondency and even apathy. That enthusiasm you once had⸺to preach, to cast vision, to minister, and to lead⸺are on decline. Today, you might simply be “going through the motions,” “phoning it in,” or “faking it until you make it.”

If this sounds like you, please know that you are not alone. 

We’ve all faced bleak days of ministry due to circumstances outside of our control⸺tight finances, community division, or personal matters that cloud our ability to serve effectively. 

My Ministry Crisis

I recall a particularly dark time in my own ministry. Our leadership team was in conflict with the denomination. Although we were transparent with the community, we hoped to spare them any anxiety. Unfortunately, the conflict seeped into unwanted areas, causing fraying within our ranks. At home, things were equally trying. My wife and I were deeply concerned about one of our children who was struggling. My world felt in disarray. On a particularly difficult day, I broke. I’m not sure if it qualified as a nervous breakdown, but I had certainly emptied my emotional tank. 

Finding My True Identity Beyond My Pastoral Role

That low point compelled me to seek help from friends and professionals who could assist me as both a pastor and father in sorting through the conflict at church and home. Frankly, while the circumstances were out of my control, they forced me to find refuge in God in a new way, particularly regarding my identity. Through a nine-month spiritual care program, I came to realize that my roles as a pastor and father, while vitally important, were subordinate to my identity as a beloved child of God. That distinction between role and identity was crucial for me. 

The Crucial Difference Between Role and Identity

Previously, I often equated my roles with my identity. When those roles were stressed, I fell into discouragement, thinking, "I’m not good enough as a pastor or a dad. I’m a failure as a person." Now, I am better at reminding myself of my true identity when my roles encounter obstacles. Though still imperfect, I can step back and assess crises with less internal chaos because I am content in Christ.

A Reminder from the Psalms: Your Identity is in God (and Nothing Else)

This summer, I’ve had the privilege of filling the pulpit for a friend on sabbatical. I have employed the TPW Summer Series on the Psalms, "A Playlist for the Road Trip of Life," and recently preached Psalm 91. This passage reminded me afresh of my identity. When life is hard and ministry feels unproductive, God reassures us with these words:

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them. With long life, I will satisfy them and show them my salvation.

—Psalm 91:14-16, NRSV

A Prayer for My Fellow Pastors

Lord, I know there are those reading these words today who feel at the end of their rope, ready to give up on ministry or walk away from conflict and difficulty. They might feel like failures or have lost their drive to serve. Remind them that you have a plan for their lives and have given them purpose. Their place is with you, and their identity is formed and shaped by you. While they may feel they’ve faltered in their roles, your love and care for them has not failed. May they find refuge in the Most High and abide in the shadow of the Almighty, saying with the Psalmist, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." He is our identity! Amen.