Ever felt like ministry is killing you?
An A.I. Tool to Help You Break the Cycle.
I used to think life was full when my title was “Global Worship and Creative Pastor.”
And it was. But I loved it.
I really enjoyed the work, the people we did it with, and the fact that we were doing something for God. It felt like it really mattered.
I think that’s why I often put Church before my own needs.
I worked more than I probably should have. I gave it all my attention, all my waking hours (if not being at work, then thinking about it). And I know that’s why we were a part of something really meaningful, beautiful and, something that had a huge impact on the world.
But as I’ve ministered to creatives then and now, I’ve realized I wasn’t alone.
It’s a common trait amongst us Christian Creatives. We tend towards being all in… giving it 110%, everything we have and more.
And even now, as a Local Church Pastor (who’s still creatively inclined) of a church plant, I realize nothing’s changed. I still work too much, care too much and do more than I should.
Why do I say, “more than I should”? Really because it’s unhealthy. It doesn’t reflect Jesus way, and it communicates a subtle message of “if I don’t do this, it may not happen… and if it doesn’t happen, I’ve let God down.”
There’s real pressure
We all feel pressure, don’t we?
Whether from our own high standards, or from those how lead or Pastor us.
We really desire to creative something meaningful that makes a difference and honors God. Something that leads the lost toward salvation.
But I wonder if this relentless output is why so many creatives eventually leave their faith, and the church. What begins as a passion for God turns into a cycle of overcommitment. It’s unsustainable.
Why?
Because there’s another Sunday coming as soon as this one has passed.
And people don’t realise the cost of endless deadlines. Creative output is expensive on the soul, on our selves and on our relationships. And so we keep going, keep creating, and slowly we burn out.
And no one knows it’s happening, sometimes not even ourselves.
A huge problem
We’ve had countless creatives come to us privately about this kind of situation.
They love their church, the work and the mission, but it’s slowly killing them.
It’s the relentless emotional toll and never ending, life-draining expectations.
And yet they can’t say anything because it's hard to explain, and even harder to get understood!
And this is crazy because…
A 2022 Barna study revealed that 42% of pastors considered leaving ministry.
The pressure worsens when they contemplate leaving.
What these studies miss is the pressure passed down the line. Pastors aren't alone in this, but it seems they often feel they are.
Where do you turn?
If you can’t turn to your pastor (because they’re stressed and under pressure themselves) then where can you turn?
And how do you even know if what you’re feeling is just a little tired, or real burn out?
Obviously, the word of God, directed by the Holy Spirit is our first and primary go to. But it can be so confusing to know if you can trust your feelings, even when reading the word, praying and listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Where do you go with what you feel the Holy Spirit is saying? Many of us don’t have a safe place to turn to for conversation, in order to discern things, without someone over reacting, or even giving us a warped, bias perspective.
1️⃣ A first step
Everyone is talking about A.I. these days. It’s A.I. this and A.I that.
One article you read is all bout how “A.I is going to save the day!” The next is “We’re doomed, A.I. is taking our jobs!!” This is not one of those articles.
But Rich has been working to develop an A.I driven tool to help you quietly work out where you’re at.
We’ve talked to so many people who just need a starting point to process and so this is one attempt when you’re not sure where to turn.
It’s not like a traditional questionnaire that gives you generic advice, this is an interactive reflection process based on your unique situation.
It’s not your saviour, you have one of the those in Jesus. But if you’re honest and take some time for real self reflection, it will guide you through a process that may highlight areas that need to change in your life.
When you’re done it will give you a “Burnout Reflection and Recovery Plan” based on your answers.
It will also give you a personal report on whether you are heading toward burnout, giving up, or thriving based on your answers.
You’ll be offered a tailored action plan with specific steps for recovery, keeping going, or staying aware of potential challenges in your creative ministry and spiritual life.
Then it will close by giving you a short prayerful statement for your next steps, whether it’s recovery, persistence, or maintaining spiritual health.