Tag Archives: Ministry Burnout

Oh to speak with conviction

Posted on January 13, 2011 by neilrobbie

My earlier post on mortification, crucifixion and prayer not only addresses ministry burnout but also conviction.  When I am tired and prayerless I am more alive to sin than dead to it and that includes a lack of conviction of … Continue reading →

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The road to ministry burnout

Posted on January 10, 2011 by neilrobbie

I have been a vicar for 22 months. When I arrived from a great curacy I was spiritually close to the Lord, physically healthy and emotionally robust. After 15 months in post I was suffering signs of stress; poor sleep, … Continue reading →

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Rob Parsons on “The Good, the bad and the ugly” of church leadership

Posted on November 2, 2010 by neilrobbie

I’m just back from a church leaders’ lunch in Birmingham hosted by Rob Parsons.  The theme was “The Good, the bad and the ugly” of church leadership and Parsons touched on avoiding burnout, time management, dealing with critics and the … Continue reading →

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Memoirs of an ordinary pastor #3

Posted on May 5, 2010 by neilrobbie

This is the second of Don Carson’s reflections on his dad’s ministry and the work-life balance of the pastor. Mum used to tell us kids, “Work hard, and play hard, but never confuse the two.” By this she wanted us … Continue reading →

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Memoirs of an ordinary pastor #2

Posted on March 25, 2010 by neilrobbie

Here’s Don Carson’s reflection on his dad’s 7 day a week, perfection driven workload. It helps me remember to do what I can with the gifts that I have in the place where I live with the people whom I … Continue reading →

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Lessons from the journal of an ordinary partor #1

Posted on March 16, 2010 by neilrobbie

In his book The Memoirs of an ordinary pastor (the life and reflections of Tom Carson) Don Carson makes 9 observations of his father’s life and ministry which he hopes will guide and encourage other pastors in situations like his … Continue reading →

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Keller on the idolatry of ministry

Posted on June 1, 2009 by neilrobbie

In a recent interview, Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York, was asked the following question: Q: What safeguards should 20-something pastors have in place to avoid the idolatry of ministry fame and the attitude of big numbers equals … Continue reading →

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The difficult balance of self-love and self-sacrifice

Posted on April 8, 2009 by neilrobbie

I have been vicar of Holy Trinity West Bromwich, in an inner city urban priority area, for 4 weeks now. In my new post, I am keen to avoid burnout, which means some degree of self-preservation. As I relaxed in … Continue reading →

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Avoiding ministry burnout

Posted on March 18, 2009 by neilrobbie

I’ve been in post as vicar at Holy Trinity for 1 week, I did three services on Sunday and hosted an open house for over 30 people. Yesterday I was at a pastors’ prayer meeting at 7:30am and finished a … Continue reading →

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Avoiding burnout without copout

Posted on May 29, 2008 by neilrobbie

Ministry burnout was a hot topic a few years ago, especially around the time Peter Brain’s book Going the Distance was published in 2004. I believe there is a link between neonomianism and burnout. Uncertain of God’s acceptance, the neonomian … Continue reading →

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