You may be a pastor. You may be a pastor’s wife. You may be a media director (using the best media available, of course). You may be a church secretary. You may be a deacon, elder, administrator, Sunday School teacher, or any one else… The problem is common to all. It’s stress. And it’s not just endemic to people in ministry. Stress–otherwise known as being “too busy”–is damaging. It can ruin your ministry, your family, and your health. Here are some warning signs that you’re too busy.
Stress can be a more acute problem for people in ministry. After all, we are involved in a “job” that is concerned with people’s lives and eternal destinies. Ministry is a 24/7 responsibility. Sunday is never a day off, but a ministry-intensive day. There are warning signs that you may be experiencing stress. Here they are:
- Because of your responsibilities, you find yourself saying “we’ll do that later,” or “we don’t have time this week” to your family.
- You are experiencing unusual or undiagnosed pain or health problems. It could be anything from odd pain to digestive problems, obesity, skin condition, headaches, body aches, etc.)
- You have trouble sleeping, or you want to sleep too much. Or, you deprive yourself of sleep in order to “relax” or complete your responsibilities.
- You become depressed for a long time, or find yourself thinking that the ministry–maybe even your faith–isn’t worth it anymore. Pessimism, despair, doubt, and frustration set in.
- You find yourself becoming easily angry, distracted, or annoyed at others or at your circumstances.
- You consider harmful ways of dealing with your stress – alcohol, smoking, extramarital affair, pornography, gambling, spending large amounts of money, binge eating, etc.
- You find excuses to avoid social settings, including church.
- You consider to leave the ministry, and begin to make alternate plans for your life.
Everyone experiences stress. We experience it in varying levels, with varying responses, and with varying long-term effects. The question is not, “is there stress in my life?” but “is stress controlling you?” The above symptoms may come and go from time to time. When they persist for a long time, it may be that you are controlled by stress. Something needs to change.