Burnout and Boundaries: Sustaining Your Soul in the Small Church

Ministry in the small church is a sacred calling—but it’s not for the faint of heart. For those of us who wear many hats, serve bi-vocationally, or lead without the cushion of a large staff, the emotional and spiritual weariness can be overwhelming. After more than four decades of ministry, I’ve walked through seasons of burnout, neglected my own health, and even wondered if it was time to hang it up.

If you’re feeling tired, stretched too thin, or quietly discouraged, you’re not alone. But there is hope. The Lord who called you is faithful, and He hasn’t called you to burn out—He’s called you to bear fruit that remains. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—about boundaries, rest, and rediscovering joy in ministry.

1. Set Healthy Boundaries: Don’t Serve All Your Pie

One of the hardest lessons for small church pastors is learning how to say no. We want to be available. We want to help. But if we give away all the slices of our time, energy, and emotional capacity to people and problems, there’s nothing left for our family, our own soul, or the Lord. (I’m working on a new book called The Parable of the Pie)

Tip for the weary pastor:

Learn the difference between urgent and important. Not every text, call, or meeting deserves an immediate response. Block out time in your week that is untouchable—for your spouse, your kids, or your own soul care. Remember, boundaries are not barriers to ministry—they’re bridges to sustainability.

2. Keep the Sabbath: It Isn’t a Suggestion

God didn’t recommend rest—He commanded it. Yet, pastors often treat Sabbath like a luxury we can’t afford. I’ve done it too. But ignoring Sabbath rhythms is like running your car without ever changing the oil. Eventually, something seizes up.

Tip for the weary pastor:

Pick a day each week to rest—and guard it fiercely. Don’t preach. Don’t fix the church sign. Don’t check email. Go for a walk. Read something that nourishes your soul. Play with your grandkids. Watch the birds. Let the Shepherd restore your soul.

3. Delegate: It’s Not Just About You

We sometimes equate doing everything ourselves with being faithful. But real faithfulness is about multiplying leadership. When we delegate tasks, we give others the opportunity to grow, serve, and experience the joy of ministry.

Tip for the weary pastor:

Start small. Ask someone to lead a prayer time. Invite a younger leader to co-teach a Bible study. Let someone else handle announcements or organize a meal train. Every task you release is both a gift to yourself and a growth opportunity for someone else.

4. Build a Support Circle: You Weren’t Made to Pastor Alone

One of the most dangerous seasons in my life was when I tried to be strong in isolation. But ministry was never meant to be a solo act. Jesus had His inner circle. Paul had Timothy and Barnabas. You need people, too.

Tip for the weary pastor:

Identify three kinds of people:

• Confidants who know your heart and hold your secrets.

• Colleagues who understand ministry life and can speak truth without judgment.

• Companions—family and friends who bring you joy outside of church life.

If you don’t have these, pray for them—and be intentional about finding them. Join a local pastor’s fellowship, or start a monthly lunch with trusted friends.

5. Rediscover Joy in Ministry: Fan the Flame Again

Somewhere along the way, ministry can lose its spark. It becomes more about survival than calling. But I’ve learned—joy can be rekindled.

Tips for the weary pastor:

• Revisit your calling. Go back to when God first called you. Journal what you felt then. Pray it back to Him.

• Celebrate small wins. Every baptism, every faithful saint, every child’s question is a reminder that God is still at work.

• Learn again. Read a new book, attend a conference, or listen to a podcast that fuels your mind and spirit.

• Preach to yourself. Remind yourself that your identity is not in attendance numbers or sermon downloads. You are a child of God—loved, called, and chosen.

Final Word: You Matter, Pastor

If no one else has told you lately, let me say it: Your ministry matters. Your faithfulness, in a small town or a tiny sanctuary, is not overlooked by Heaven. But you must care for your soul as fiercely as you care for your flock. You’re not called to carry everything. You're called to walk with the One who does.

Take the next step toward health. Set that boundary. Rest. Ask for help. And let the Lord breathe life back into dry bones. If you need someone to talk to, have pray for you, or provide some counseling, I donate many hours each month to help small church pastors thrive. Reach out, I’d like to help.

Let’s stay connected. If this article encouraged you, I’d love for you to follow me on social media where I share weekly resources to help pastors thrive in smaller churches.

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Facebook: @ItsTimeSam

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