What are Key Signs of Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in Pastors:

Common Symptoms of Burnout:

• Chronic fatigue, hopelessness, disillusionment, anxiety, disturbed sleep patterns, depression, isolation, harshness towards colleagues or parishoners, pervasive negativity and cynicism, a reduced commitment to work

What Are The Main Causes of Burnout:

• Working too long and hard without a break.

• Reaching a goal after long hard work and not having a vision or purpose to go forward from there. (Very typical after a church building program).

• Feeling you are betrayed by those you are serving.

• Feeling betrayed by those you are serving under.

• Having done all you can in a position or place but not letting go or move on.

• Feeling used or not cared for.

• Sin, unconfessed and unrepented.

• Wrong priorities in the use of time and energy. (Becoming a workaholic).

• Violating the weekly "Sabbath" principle.

• Being on duty 24/7.

• Disappointment and disillusionment with a leader you have faithfully served.

• Failure of a project or ministry you have invested of yourself very heavily in.

• Frustration with others.

• Unfulfilled expectations of success, recognition or reward.Lack of focus.

• Energies and activities scattered in too many directions.

• Trying to do the job you are not called, gifted or properly trained to do.

• Working for the wrong motives.

• In over your head without adequate support.

• Occupying a position rather than fulfilling the call.

What Are The Common Consequences of Burnout:

Burnout is emotional exhaustion. Burnout can cause you to give up on something you have passionately committed to.

Burnout can cause you to:

• Leave your church too soon.

• Quit doing what God has called you to do.

• Give up on your dreams.

• Change your attitude and personality.

• Damage your most important relationships.

• Be lead to moral failure and sexual sin