Okay, okay. I didn’t actually punch my senior pastor, but let’s be honest, we’ve all had those days where we felt like it. And if you’ve ever caught yourself fantasizing about throwing a folding chair in the staff meeting, there’s a good chance burnout is knocking on your door.
Youth ministry is one of the most rewarding gigs out there. Seriously, who else gets to eat pizza for lunch and call it a strategy meeting? But it’s also exhausting, demanding, and sometimes downright soul-crushing. Burnout? It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a very real threat. So, how do you know if you’re headed for trouble? Let’s talk about the warning signs.
Red Flags You’re on the Road to Burnout
1. A Shorter Fuse
Do you find yourself snapping at volunteers who show up late, or silently plotting revenge against that one kid who keeps asking, “Can we just play dodgeball today?”? If your patience is wearing thinner than the youth budget, it’s time to pause and take stock.
2. Constant Exhaustion
Sure, we all get tired. Late nights, lock-ins, and last-minute sermon rewrites will do that. But if you’re waking up more tired than when you went to bed—even after a full weekend off—you might need more than just a nap.
3. Inability to Disconnect
Are you checking emails while binge-watching Netflix? Answering texts about this week’s game night during family dinner? If your phone is practically an extension of your hand, you’re never giving yourself a chance to fully recharge.
4. Feeling Like You’re the Only One
Does it seem like you’re carrying the entire ministry on your back? Like no one else cares as much as you do? That “it’s all on me” mindset can be a fast track to burnout. Spoiler alert: it’s not all on you.
5. Loss of Passion
When was the last time you were genuinely excited about youth ministry? If you’re just going through the motions or secretly dreading the next Wednesday night, you’ve lost more than energy—you’ve lost your spark.
What to Do When Burnout Hits
So, what’s the game plan when these red flags start waving? Here are a few ideas to keep you from going full-on WWE in the staff meeting:
- Talk It Out
Call up a friend, mentor, or counselor and let them in on what’s going on. Trust me, venting to someone other than your reflection in the youth room window can work wonders.
- Take a Break
No, really. Step away. Whether it’s a weekend retreat or just an afternoon nap, give yourself permission to rest. Your ministry will survive without you for a hot minute, I promise.
- Re-evaluate Your Priorities
Are you saying “yes” to everything? Stop it. Seriously. Jesus took naps, and you can too.
- Seek Professional Help
If burnout has you in a chokehold, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor. Sometimes you need a little extra help to find your footing again.
You’re Not Alone
Here’s the thing: burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. Recognizing the signs and taking action isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s the exact opposite. And hey, if you need more encouragement (or just want to hear some great stories about burnout and surviving it), check out the video conversation I had with Josh Boldman, Derry Prenket, and Todd Pearage [You can watch it here].
Hang in there, friend. You’ve got this—and the next time you’re tempted to throw hands in a staff meeting, just remember: pizza solves most problems.
