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Week 5: When the Shepherd Is Weary – Finding Strength for the Long Haul

 You didn’t get into ministry to become a statistic.

But if you’re a church leader in 2025, the numbers aren’t easy to read—and you might feel them in your bones.

According to the 2025 Church Trends report by Carey Nieuwhof:

  • One-third of pastors seriously considered quitting ministry in the past year.

  • Eighteen percent of pastors have considered suicide or self-harm.

  • Only 7% of pastors under 45 say they’re flourishing in life and ministry.

Let’s stop right here.

If you’re a small church pastor who feels tired, discouraged, burned out, emotionally numb, or spiritually dry—you are not weak.
You are not a failure.
You are not faithless.

You’re a human being doing sacred work in a broken world. And God sees you.


The Weight Few Understand

Ministry has always been hard—but in recent years, it’s become relentless. It’s not just preaching and praying anymore. It’s:

  • Managing finances.

  • Dealing with political polarization.

  • Navigating burnout in volunteers.

  • Counseling trauma with no therapist credentials.

  • Leading digital ministry on a shoestring budget.

  • And carrying it all with a smile on Sunday morning.

Add in the reality that many pastors are isolated and lack safe friendships—and it’s no wonder mental health is in crisis.

Small church pastors, especially, often carry every role: preacher, janitor, counselor, tech support, administrator, and sometimes even bus driver.

If that’s you: you are not crazy for being tired.


What the Bible Says About Weary Leaders

The Bible doesn’t hide the weariness of those God called. In fact, some of the most faithful leaders in Scripture had moments of deep despair:

Elijah – Burned Out and Suicidal

After calling down fire from heaven and defeating 450 prophets of Baal, Elijah collapsed in a cave and told God:

“I have had enough, Lord... Take my life.” – 1 Kings 19:4

What did God do? He didn’t lecture Elijah. He let him sleep. He sent food. He spoke gently. He reminded Elijah he wasn’t alone—and gave him a successor to carry the work forward.

Moses – Overwhelmed and Frustrated

After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses cried out:

“I cannot carry all these people by myself... The burden is too heavy for me.” – Numbers 11:14

God’s response? He called 70 elders to share the load.

Jesus – Grieved and Distressed

Yes, even Jesus. In Gethsemane, He said:

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” – Matthew 26:38

Jesus knows what you’re feeling. He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4). He sees the weight on your shoulders—and He never asked you to carry it alone.


God Is Not Surprised by Your Exhaustion

Here’s what I want you to hear in bold, underlined truth:
God is not surprised by your fatigue. He is not caught off guard by your discouragement. He is not disappointed in your limitations.

He calls you to be faithful, not superhuman.

You may feel like stepping back or slowing down is weakness. But according to Scripture, it’s wisdom.

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.” – Psalm 127:2 (NLT)

You are loved. And God wants you to rest—not after you collapse—but before.


Practical Pathways Toward Mental and Spiritual Health

You don’t have to figure it all out today. But here are five practical steps you can begin taking to care for your soul while you serve others.

1. Find One Safe Person

You don’t need 50 friends. You need one person you can text on your worst day. A fellow pastor. A mentor. A counselor. A trusted friend. Make the first move. Vulnerability opens doors.

“Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

2. Take a True Sabbath

Not a day to catch up on admin. A real Sabbath—one that includes rest, prayer, joy, and no to-do lists. God Himself rested. Jesus withdrew regularly. You must too.

3. Get Honest With Yourself and God

Many pastors are burning out because they’re pretending everything’s fine. Be honest in prayer. Write it out. Say it out loud. The Psalms are filled with raw, unfiltered emotions—yours can be too.

“Pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” – Psalm 62:8

4. Build Margin Into Your Week

If your schedule is so full you have no margin for emergencies, rest, or spontaneous moments of ministry—you’re living unsustainably. Reevaluate. Cancel something. Say no. You’re not called to everything—you’re called to obedience.

5. Don’t Wait Until You’re in Crisis

Don’t wait until you collapse to get help. Talk to a therapist. Talk to a spiritual director. Talk to your board about a sabbatical. Soul care is not selfish—it’s essential.


What About the Next Generation of Pastors?

Nieuwhof’s data shows that only 7% of leaders under 45 say they are flourishing. That’s terrifying—and also a call to action.

If you are a seasoned pastor, this is your moment to invest in someone younger. Don’t assume they’re fine. Reach out. Invite them into your life. Share your struggles and wisdom.

And if you are the younger leader—know this: you don’t have to flame out to be faithful. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Learn to lead from rest, not toward it.


Final Encouragement: God Is With You in the Cave

Maybe you’re like Elijah right now—in the cave, feeling alone, overwhelmed, or questioning if any of this is worth it.

Listen closely. You’re not alone.

You’re not forgotten.

You’re not failing.

And you’re not finished.

God may be about to send a whisper. Or a friend. Or a new assignment. Or simply enough strength to get through today.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Keep going. Not at a breakneck pace. Not under pressure to perform. But step by step. Breath by breath. Rested. Rooted. And restored.

You don’t have to rise to the trends. You just have to stay faithful to your calling. That’s more than enough in the eyes of your Savior.


Bonus Resources for Your Journey:

  • Book: At Your Best by Carey Nieuwhof – Practical help for healthy rhythms.

  • Podcast Episode: CNLP 654 – Matt Chandler on burnout and rebuilding.

  • Scripture Meditations: Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:28-31, Matthew 11:28-30



We are here for you, Pastor! As your partner in ministry, we want to:
    - Come alongside you to help pinpoint how to begin the revitalization process.
    - Empower you to stay committed and complete the work God has begun in you.

Send us a message; we're eager to talk with you!

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