Twenty Questions for Avoiding Flameout and Burnout

Reflection Questions for Avoiding Flameout and Burnout
Dave Wiedis, M.S., J.D
Copyright 2011

In my seminar entitled, “Wisdom for the Journey: Avoiding Pastoral Flameout and Burnout,” I examine how pastors are at great risk for moral failure (flameout) and physical and emotional exhaustion (burnout) due to the pressure, demands and inherent isolation of ministry.  You might find it beneficial to prayerfully examine your self and your ministry in light of these penetrating questions.  Please feel free to respond or write to me. I’d love to know if this helped.

1.     What aspects of ministry “seduce” you?
a)    Discuss your motivation for being in, and remaining in ministry?
b)   Identify idols you have made in ministry?
c)    What image of yourself is important to portray to, and maintain with, others?
d)   How do you want to be seen?

2.     What are the major pressures you face in ministry?  Identify each and how you cope with them?
a)    Identify external forces that put pressure on you from which you want to escape?

3.     What are your greatest fears in ministry?

4.     What “vows” have you made that compensate for your fears?

5.     What causes you the most pain in ministry?
a)    In marriage? In family? In your church?

6.     What area of your life exhibits the biggest “integrity gap” (difference between your private and public life)?  What steps are you taking to reduce this gap?

7.     How do you “medicate” your pain?
a)    How does medicating affect your relationship with God?
b)   How does medicating affect your relationship with your spouse?  Your children?  Your friends? Your church?

8.     How often do you intentionally create time alone to “draw close to your Shepherd?”
a)    In what ways? What does that look like for you?
b)   Do you have devotional time, and bible reading unrelated to your studies for ministry?

9.     Timothy had Paul to serve as a mentor, confidante, and one who watched out for his spiritual welfare.  Who serves as a “Paul” to you?  What does that look like?

10.  In what ways do you deceive yourself? Your spouse? Your children? Your church members?

11.  In what ways are you manipulative with yourself?  With your spouse?  With church members? With God?

12.  What personal traumas have you experienced that still affect you in negative ways?

13.  How many hours per day/week do you work? Include sermon prep, prayer, visitation, administration, discipleship, reflection, counseling, and time spent in activities that provide spiritual renewal and refreshment.

14.  How do you create healthy boundaries between your work and family? Work and play? Work and private time?

15.  In what areas do you commit the biggest violations of others’ boundaries? Of your own boundaries?

16. What do you do for fun? Pleasure? Pursuit of non-ministry related activities? Vacation?

17.  How often do you intentionally spend time with other pastors for the purpose of community, encouragement friendship, and inspiration?

18.  What is your “theology of weakness?”  (i.e., 2 Cor. 10:9-10).  How do you really cope with and address your own weaknesses?

19.  Where do you feel most in need of help, encouragement and inspiration?

20.  Where do you go where you can be completely honest and transparent about your own weaknesses, struggles, challenges, and temptations?