Leading When You're Tired

“I’m just tired.” That’s what I told a close friend when he asked how ministry was going. Not burned out. Not quitting. Just… tired.

If you’ve been in ministry for any length of time, you know the feeling. You pour yourself into sermon prep, counseling sessions, unexpected funerals, and budget meetings—and then someone asks you to lead the youth retreat or fix the church copier. Tired becomes your baseline.

But here’s the truth: You can’t lead well from a place of constant exhaustion. And yet, that’s where many small-church pastors and leaders find themselves—faithful, hardworking, and quietly depleted.

The good news? There is a better way. You don’t need to flame out. Sustainable ministry is possible—and it starts by admitting the fatigue and committing to new rhythms of life and leadership.

Why It’s Okay to Admit You’re Tired

Jesus got tired. He rested. He withdrew from the crowds. He slept during storms. He modeled what a fully human life looks like, even while doing Kingdom work.

Ministry fatigue isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign you’re human. And ignoring it doesn’t make it holy. We often spiritualize burnout as sacrifice, but Scripture reminds us that obedience includes rest (Exodus 20:8–11, Mark 6:31).

5 Sustainable Ministry Practices for Long-Term Impact

1. Rediscover the Power of Sabbath

Block out one full day a week (or the best approximation) where you do no ministry. No sermon writing. No planning. No guilt. Fill it with things that bring life—time with your spouse, grandkids, a walk in the woods, cooking, or just being still.

This is an area where I’ve constantly struggled as a bi-vocational pastor. But I learned that observing a Sabbath each week wasn’t a suggestion, it was a commandment. Make the Sabbath a priority in your life and ministry.

2. Work from Rest, Not for Rest

There's always "one more thing" that needs to be done. Rather than pushing through exhaustion to earn a break, flip the pattern. Rest first. Minister from a full cup, not an empty tank. A morning quiet time isn’t just devotional—it’s your fuel source. I often coach pastors that they have three fuel tanks—physical, mental and spiritual. If you run any of those three to empty, you run the risk of damage to yourself, your family and your ministry. Run them all empty and you crash and burn.

It was my District Superintendent that finally insisted I take a month long sabbatical after nearly 40 years in ministry. I had never taken one, EVER! What did I learn by taking a month off? That I should have taken two! As I have shared to others I have coached, “It’s not that you don’t vacation well, it’s that you don’t vocation well.”[1] We need to learn a healthy balance of ministry and rest.

3. Embrace the Ministry of “No”

Not every good thing is your responsibility. Sustainable leaders learn to say no to what isn’t central to their calling or their church’s mission. Every “yes” adds weight. Every “no” makes space. Learn to empower others for leadership. Our role as pastors is to equip “the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12 NKJV). Creating new leaders is a great way to make disciples who make disciples.

Try this: Ask yourself weekly, “What am I doing that someone else could do—or should do?”

4. Invest in Healthy Relationships

You weren’t meant to lead alone. Get coffee with another pastor. Start or join a support group. Don’t underestimate how healing it is to sit across the table from someone who “gets it.” I was part of a clergy cluster group that met monthly for more than a decade. It was one of the most healthy practices I maintained as a pastor. No pastor should pastor in isolation.

Loneliness accelerates burnout. Friendship helps you breathe again.

5. Revisit Your Why

When you’re tired, everything feels heavier. But remembering why you started brings clarity and energy. Go back to your calling story. Re-read a note someone wrote after a sermon that changed them. Reconnect with your One Excellent Mission.

Tiredness becomes more bearable when you’re reminded that what you’re doing really does matter.

You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Failing

Fatigue is real. But it doesn’t mean you’re failing or unfaithful. In fact, sometimes it’s your body and spirit calling you to deeper trust, better boundaries, and more sustainable rhythms.

Let this be your reminder: you are not the church’s Savior. Jesus is. You are His servant, and He wants you to flourish.

Final Word

If you’re tired, you’re in good company. But don’t settle for exhaustion as your normal. It isn’t a badge of honor. Choose sustainability over survival. And remember—faithfulness over the long haul makes the biggest impact.

Let’s keep this conversation going.

How are you sustaining your ministry? What rhythms have helped you lead with joy and longevity? If you need someone to talk it over, I donate several hours every month of free coaching. I’m here to listen and help.

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[1] This is a paraphrase from something I heard on a coaching call from Carey Nieuwhof many years ago.