This week I have a free resource for you. Download the Prevent Burnout Kit to help you when you’re nearing burnout. There are three resources in one to support you on your holistic/integrated journey of head, heart, and hands.
Mary and Martha.
You already know these two have traditionally been put against each other. Be a Mary not a Martha, is usually how a sermon goes. On the rare occasion that Martha is elevated, I breathe a sigh of relief because for so long I most resonated with her.
However, what if the goal isn’t to pick between the sisters rather to include Jesus in this story? Imagine that! Jesus does something so important in the story. He names Martha’s emotions saying she is worried, anxious. Whether we’re Mary or Martha, Jesus says know what’s going on inside of you. How are you feeling?
Perhaps a better question is when we act like Martha, what are we feeling? Furthermore, when we’re quiet and learning at the feet of Jesus, what are we feeling?
Pastors who are unable to answer these feeling questions might find themselves actually feeling a lot but not having words to articulate them. Or you might ooze emotions and not know what to do with them. Clearly, there are all kinds of areas in between these two scenarios.
Including Jesus in the story is a wholistic approach to the scripture. We’re called to be whole and to live integrated lives with some Mary (head), Martha(hands) and Jesus (heart).
The rate at which pastors are burning out and even leaving ministry I believe is in part due to inability or a lack of awareness in navigating emotions. My heart aches every time I learn of a colleague leaving ministry or feeling forced to take leaves of absence due to stress, burnout, compassion fatigue etc.
Action Brings Clarity
This week I have a free resource for you. Download the Prevent Burnout Kit to help you when you’re nearing burnout. There are three resources in one to support you on your holistic/integrated journey of head, heart, and hands.