I recently read Mad Church Disease, by Anne Jackson.

The book is about burn-out among church staff - what causes it, how to spot it and how to prevent it.

It’s an enjoyable and easy read, with lots of stories and examples. The problem of burn-out among church staff is a very relevant topic, but it’s not discussed much. Anne does a superb job of speaking frankly about burn-out, depression, spiritual disciplines and practical steps for avoiding burn-out.

Not only is she refreshingly honest, but she is also comprehensive. Mad Church Disease is a veritable workbook for diagnosing (AND prescribing solutions for) the burn-out problem. Every chapter concludes with deep and challenging questions, there is a self-diagnostic test, and action plans for living healthy.

After reading the book, I asked Anne:

Is there something about our current way of doing church that’s causing so much burn out?
What key changes can churches make to reduce the rate of burn out in their staff?

Here’s how she responded:

Those are amazing questions.  Wow!  Where to begin…?

Church staff turnover rates, for the most part, are astronomical.  Even though some environments can contribute to burnout, we have GOT to own up to our own decisions that lead us to that place.

If you’re burned out, you have to ask yourself why…

Should you have taken that job on staff or that volunteer role to begin with?
Do you share the same values as the church you’re at?
What things are you doing (or not doing) that could be causing you to burnout?

We have to be honest with ourselves first.

When I burned out, and ended up in the hospital…yes, I was on staff at a pretty unhealthy church.  But I did absolutely nothing to protect any area of my health (spiritual, physical, emotional, or relational).  If I would have taken some initiative, maybe I wouldn’t have burned out…But I was completely operating in my own strength when I should have been listening to, and leaning into my relationship with Christ.

At one point — just a couple of months before I was hospitalized — I clearly heard from God that it was time for me to leave my position on staff.  Clearly!  I can remember the exact place and time when it happened.  But I had nowhere to go to, so I said no way.  And after a very intense and painful eight months, I finally did “resign” (...if you catch my drift)  I stayed waaaay too long.

He knew what was best for me, but I didn’t listen.

Are there steps churches and leaders can take to be healthy? Absolutely.  But I think it starts with one person.  I don’t care if you’re the janitor or the assistant or the senior pastor or the deacon or the nursery volunteer. You are setting an example. If you are healthy, you inspire others to follow suit.  A group of healthy individuals equals a healthy organization.

You can’t project it on anyone.  You have to own up to your responsibility to stay spiritually connected (John 15:5) and take care of yourself…then and only then, can you truly take care of others as a result of the work of Christ in you.

Thanks Anne, for contributing such an important and helpful work!