At my last parish, we went all out for Christmas Eve. Renting out space at the fairgrounds, we welcomed thousands of people over two liturgies to celebrate the birth of our Savior. It was beautiful—but exhausting. By Christmas Day, I was done.
Our parish office closed between Christmas and New Year’s (with the exception of Mass). This break didn’t count against vacation and gave staff time to recover from a busy fall and packed Advent season. While I appreciated the downtime, it was never enough.
The problem wasn’t the length of the break; it was my approach to ministry. I was “pedal to the metal” all the time—breathing, thinking, and living ministry. Eventually, I faced major burnout.
Ministry burnout is a widespread problem, and the high turnover rate in lay ecclesial ministry is proof. As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on how we can find a more sustainable pace. Ministry isn’t a 24/7 job (even for clergy), but it is fluid, requiring flexibility and balance. If you want to thrive in ministry for the long haul, here’s where to start:
Start with Your Own Formation
You can’t give what you don’t have. If your personal relationship with Christ isn’t growing, it will be hard to lead others closer to God. Feeling drained? Start by examining your faith life.
Consider finding a spiritual director or prayer partner to help you navigate this journey. Develop a consistent spiritual habit—whether it’s journaling, engaging in a devotional, or praying the Liturgy of the Hours. You don’t have to be perfect, but having a plan (and backups) reminds you that God’s grace will carry you through the hard times.
Take Control of Your Time and Priorities
One of the biggest lessons I learned after my burnout was the importance of time and priority management. Knowing what’s important is one thing; figuring out the how and when is another.
For me, using the Monk Manual was a game changer. It helped me plan my days, weeks, and months while reflecting on what was working and where my heart was going. Whether you use a tool like this or just journal, regularly evaluating how you spend your time can reveal poor habits that need to change.
Remember, unlike money, you can’t get time back. Spend it intentionally.
Build Your Support Network
My wife is my closest friend, but relying solely on her to keep me on track isn’t fair to our relationship. I’ve learned that I need other people—especially those in ministry or similar fields—who can speak into my life and hold me accountable.
Currently, I work with a professional coach weekly, a therapist monthly, and I maintain relationships with a prayer partner, spiritual director, and network of ministry leaders. This may sound like a lot, but these relationships are lifelines that sustain me.
You don’t have to replicate my setup, but think about where you need help. Are you struggling emotionally? Spiritually? Professionally? Identify those areas and invite trusted people to walk alongside you. Ministry is not meant to be done alone.
Master the Art of Rest
This is the hardest area for me, even now. I love dreaming about ministry and building Marathon Youth Ministry, but I’ve learned to set boundaries. For example, outside of our small groups, I disconnect from ministry after 6 p.m. Saturdays are my Sabbath (unless I’m leading a retreat). When I go on vacation, I leave my laptop at home and keep work emails off my phone.
To refuel, I turn to hiking, camping, baking, and running. I also love playing music, gardening, and spending time with family. Rest looks different for everyone, but finding activities that restore your energy is essential. Be intentional about planning breaks—and stick to them.
A Sustainable Ministry Culture
The real solution to burnout is changing the culture and systems that encourage a “pedal to the metal” mindset. But until that happens, we can each take steps to prioritize our health, create boundaries, and build meaningful support networks.
Ministry isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. If you’re struggling, take a step back. Reflect on your formation, manage your time with care, lean on others for accountability, and make rest a non-negotiable part of your life.
At Marathon Youth Ministry, we’re here to equip you with resources, tips, and support to help you find your pace—because the Church needs you at your best. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and remember: God will give you what you need for the long haul.