Burnout is a danger in serving – both in occupational ministry and for volunteers.
In a recent Francis Institute survey, 71% of pastors stated they were burned out. Further, one national report documents that just 25% of volunteers contribute 77% of volunteer hours, placing them directly in line for what’s now known as “volunteer fatigue.”
Serving need not always lead to exhaustion and depletion, but can be energizing and fulfilling. The key is how you go about it.
A Well Serves People Directly
God calls us to serve people – His sheep. Our human tendency is to serve people directly, thereby avoiding the middle man and “getting the most bang for our buck.” By serving people directly, we choose the easiest route (see diagram, right.) It’s purposeful: we see a need and we meet it. We go about serving as if we are a well, pouring out water to sheep on demand.
But sheep get thirsty again and again. And they bite. People can be demanding and have high expectations. When expectations are not met, those we serve become disappointed … those we work alongside become disillusioned … and we begin to question the value in our service. Our well of good intentions gets drained.
God would not command us to serve others if the intended outcome was to deplete us, cause us to turn away from Him, or drive us to reject the very sheep He calls us to serve.
A Pipeline Is the Crucial Connection
When you are a well (one who serves people as the object, rather than God) you get drained. A drained well cannot give water. Serving is one case in which using a middle man through a pipeline is more resourceful than direct service through a well – particularly since the Middle Man is the Source of our strength.
Servants who are pipelines see God as the object of their service, not people. They intentionally spend time with Him. Without that investment, it’s easy to turn back into a well. Just 26% of those in ministry report having regularly personal devotions and only 28% say they read the Bible other than for sermon preparation. Is it any wonder that overwhelming numbers of those in ministry burn out? They act as wells.
Operating a spiritual pipeline can be more of a challenge than operating a well. Seeking God before taking action rubs against our human grain. One reason: serving people directly, like a well, is visible. In contrast, a pipeline to God is invisible, can be an uphill effort, and is operated in secret. Plus, a well is dug once and then operates until it gives out, while a pipeline to God needs ongoing care to be kept open in both directions and clear of distraction.
Yet a pipeline never drains completely. When you invest time with God and then serve others as a way of serving Him, you become a conduit. Serving becomes energizing and fulfilling. God’s grace flows through you, rather than draining and depleting you.
Which are you – a well or a pipeline? If you’re a well, it may be time to change how you go about serving. You’ll last longer and serve with more impact when you’re a pipeline.
