I spent yesterday @ White Oak Conference Center and during lunch I met a youth pastor from a Baptist church in the Spartanburg area. He was there for a few days of personal spiritual retreat, the first time he’s ever done anything like that. Said he really needed it. He was tired physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He didn’t want to burn out, so he thought he’d better do something. The senior pastor at his church a few years ago resigned due to burn out. I also learned that he had a habit of not using all his vacation each year, a mistake too many ministers make.
Pastors and staff resigning and leaving the ministry due to burn out is at an all-time high. The numbers are staggering. Some might wonder how you can burn out serving Jesus. It happens the same way it does for countless church members. We stay so busy doing stuff for God we don’t spend much time with God. The Christian life is about a relationship, but we often forget that. We know that salvation is by faith in Jesus, but we make living for Jesus more about works and deeds. Yet scripture says, “as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6).
Our culture does not value quiet time or spiritual retreat. Unfortunately, neither do most churches or Christians. Yet Jesus’ life is an example of retreating to be with God. Why we don’t follow His example is troubling and our failure to do so leads to spiritual burnout and other major issues.
Remember this verse: “those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:31).
I’m proud of that youth minister for recognizing he needed to get away so get alone with God. He will be blessed because he did and so will his ministry. I’m also thankful he has a pastor who encouraged him to go on a spiritual retreat.
For the past several years I’ve built retreats into my annual schedule and I can honestly say I’m spiritually healthier as a result. I don’t think I could survive and thrive in ministry without it.
But here’s the thing: YOU ALSO NEED TIME ALONE WITH GOD. A relationship grows when people spend time together. It’s the same with you and God. When do you have alone time with the Savior?
Pastor Steve Hogg
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