Pastoral burnout is a serious challenge that many faithful shepherds face. One of the most helpful resources we’ve seen on pastoral burnout was a journal written in 2018 by 9Marks. It provides rich, biblical wisdom on how pastors can navigate exhaustion, discouragement, and the weight of ministry. This journal offers both theological depth and practical strategies for endurance.
Key Articles in the 9Marks Pastoral Burnout Journal
1. I Was Burnt Out—And I Stepped Away – Shai Linne
Linne shares his personal journey of burnout while planting Risen Christ Fellowship. Facing overwhelming ministry demands, family struggles, and spiritual depletion, he ultimately stepped away. His story highlights the importance of recognizing when to pause for the sake of long-term faithfulness.
2. I Was Burnt Out—And I Stayed In – Ed Moore
Moore provides a contrasting perspective—staying in ministry despite deep discouragement. He recounts church conflicts that nearly drove him out but explains how God’s grace and perseverance through hardship kept him steadfast.
3. When Your Husband is Burnt Out – Anna Moore
A powerful article offering the perspective of a pastor’s wife. Anna Moore shares how burnout impacts not only the pastor but also his family, and she provides biblical encouragement for those supporting their weary husbands.
4. Pastoring Amid Depression – John Starke
Starke tackles the often-overlooked issue of depression in pastoral ministry. He vulnerably shares his own struggle and how pastors can find solace in the Psalms, biblical counseling, and Christ’s sustaining grace.
5. Waiting on the Lord to Renew Our Strength – Ray Ortlund
Ortlund offers Isaiah 40:31 as a biblical foundation for overcoming burnout. He reminds pastors that spiritual renewal comes from waiting upon the Lord, not striving in their own strength.
6. A Parable of Endurance from the Mission Field – Tim Keesee
Keesee shares stories from missionaries serving in difficult contexts, showing how faithfulness in suffering is sustained by God’s sovereign hand.
7. Discerning the Signs of Pastoral Burnout – John Henderson
John Henderson provides practical guidance on identifying early warning signs of burnout and encourages pastors to seek help before reaching a breaking point.
8. A Taxonomy of At-Risk Pastors – Jeramie Rinne
Rinne categorizes different types of pastors who are at high risk for burnout, such as solo pastors, super pastors, and pragmatic pastors. His insights help pastors recognize their vulnerabilities and take preventative steps.
9. Am I Burnt Out? 30 Useful Questions – Matt Schmucker
A self-evaluation tool designed to help pastors assess their level of burnout and recognize patterns of fatigue, discouragement, and stress.
10. How to Avoid Accumulated Fatigue – Zack Eswine
Practical strategies for maintaining long-term sustainability in ministry, including Sabbath rest, delegation, and spiritual disciplines.
11. The Greatest Cure for Pastoral Burnout Is Christ Himself – Nick Roark
A gospel-centered encouragement reminding pastors that their ultimate source of strength and endurance is union with Christ.
12. How Calvinism Makes Fewer Burnt-Out Pastors – Conrad Mbewe
A compelling case for how a Reformed understanding of God’s sovereignty can prevent burnout. Trusting in God’s control over ministry outcomes alleviates the burden of self-reliance.
13. Be Tender-Hearted and Thick-Skinned: How Humility Protects Pastors from Pastoral Burnout – Aaron Menikoff
An article emphasizing humility as a shield against discouragement and burnout in pastoral ministry.
14. One Cure for Burnout: Building a Network of Like-Minded Brothers – Kevin McKay
Encourages pastors to develop strong, supportive relationships with other faithful ministers for accountability and encouragement.
15. One Cure for Burnout: A Plurality of Like-Minded Shepherds – Jason Dees
Discusses the importance of shared leadership in the local church to distribute the pastoral burden.
16. Managing Expectations for a Sustainable Ministry – David Murray
Setting realistic, biblical expectations is crucial. This article encourages pastors to focus on faithfulness over results, echoing John Piper’s teaching that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
17. How My Small Church Hasn’t Burnt Me Out – Jonathan Worsley
Insights from a small-church pastor on how faithful preaching, strong relationships, and reliance on God’s grace have sustained him.
18. How My Mega-Church Hasn’t Burnt Me Out – Mark Vroegop
A look at how large-church pastors manage stress, delegation, and spiritual health to avoid burnout.
19. How a Biblical Eschatology Protects Against Pastoral Burnout – Juan Sanchez
Explains how keeping an eternal perspective and trusting in God’s final restoration can sustain pastors through difficult seasons.
Why This Journal Matters
The 9Marks Pastoral Burnout Journal offers biblical, Christ-centered wisdom for weary pastors. Whether you are on the verge of burnout, recovering from it, or seeking to prevent it, this journal provides practical strategies and deep theological truths to sustain you.
If you are searching for wisdom on preventing and overcoming pastoral burnout, this journal is an essential resource.
🔗 Read the full journal here: 9Marks Pastoral Burnout Journal (PDF)
Final Thoughts
Pastoral burnout is a real danger, but the gospel provides real hope. It’s helpful to remember faithfulness is the measure of success in ministry, not numbers or personal performance. This journal calls pastors to rest in Christ, lean on His strength, and endure for the glory of God.
Have you read the 9Marks Pastoral Burnout Journal? What insights stood out to you? Let us know!