Seems like every week or so I speak with another discouraged, burned out pastor. If you’re one, here is a list of ten reminders I’ve compiled over the years that help keep me going. Reminding yourself of these things is a way to preach the gospel to yourself. I hope you’ll write them down and keep the list close by.
- I minister out of who I am, not who I wish I were or who others want me to be. I’ll be comfortable in my own skin.
- I’ll be kind to and patient with myself. I’m just a jar of clay.
- The world needs more people like me. It’s not that I’m perfect–far from it! But God has called, gifted, and anointed me to be his man in this place for this season.
- I’ll do what only I can do. Otherwise I’ll get involved in things to which God has not called me, that others can and should be doing.
- Home is my first church. If I fail anywhere, it won’t be with my family.
- It’s not all up to me. I am not the Messiah. I am not ultimately responsible and I am not in control.
- Everyone has a story. I’ll remember that next time I’m tempted to get impatient and aggravated at someone.
- God is for me. He is, this very moment, in my midst–rejoicing over me with gladness, quieting me by his love, and exulting over me with loud singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
- I won’t take myself too seriously. I’ll laugh, play, enjoy people, take my time, and be willing to fail without it devastating me.
- God is always at work. No matter what.
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