EP 201 -BRAIN FOG AND MINDFULLNESS
Welcome back Bootcampers! We hope you are doing well. Every single one of us has on occasion dealt with the challenge of “brain fog” and struggled to do even the most simple of tasks. Why? Pastoring is a 24/7 job and we never are fully disconnected from the weight of ministry. Brain drain and fatigue are real, you have to be proactive and get rest.
In a recent survey Pastor’s said:
A study conducted by Soul Shepherding, a Christian leadership training ministry, found the following:
- 75% of pastors report feeling extreme stress;
- 90% work an average of 55-75 hours per week.
- 90% feel fatigued each week
- 70% struggle with depression.
- 80% say their ministry has negatively impacted their marriage and family
- 85% have never had the opportunity to take extended time off.[1]
What can a pastor do when they are just totally exhausted? The guys break down some practical realities and then offer some solutions. If you’re tired, worn out and struggling to do the next thing, give this EP a listen.
Truths
- We love to work-get stuff done and it feeds us (ego, drive, sense of accomplishment)
- We love to feel needed.
- Ministry is exhausting-it is never finished
- We were not made to work and work and work (God mandated a day of rest, for reflection and renewal)
Application
- Set a sane work schedule
- Focus your work according to your wiring.
- Creative
- Admin
- People
- Meditation/Evaluation
- Delegate and elevate – you cannot and are not supposed to do it all
- Establish a daily quitting time (of course respond to emergencies)
- Fellowship with Jesus (prayer, devotion, meditation)
[1] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/church/what-should-pastors-do-when-worn-out-and-weary.html
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