June 30, 2011

Burnout and guest posting

Today, I am honored to be a guest at Amy's place. She asked me to talk about the burnout that can happen in ministry to pastoral families, from the perspective of the pastor's wife. Here is a little preview:

The last year in the first church Matt pastored brought to a head all the rookie mistakes we had made as a new pastoral family, and we almost did not walk away whole. The church was small and the needs were many so we stretched ourselves thin serving, working, and giving without taking the time to replenish ourselves spiritually or emotionally as individuals and as a couple. By the time we realized it, we were in trouble, with a new baby and a shaky marriage.

Won't you click here to read the rest? And leave me a comment if you have a minute so I know you stopped by!

8 comments:

Deborah said...

Hi Gaby. How cool that you're getting all these opportunities to guest post lately! That sounds like a very isolating role for you - I am so glad that you have friends who make it easier, and that Matt recognizes the importance of putting your marriage ahead of all the congregation's needs.

Bird said...

Wow. I don't know if i told you that my father was and is a pastor. And being a child of a pastor has its own unique chalenges and "burn out" issues. I think my parents did their absolute best to try to balance it all...but there are certain pressures that just come with the territory and make their mark. But there are also infinite advantages to the depth of which you learn about God and get to see his fruit in action. You are raising two beautiful little PK's (pastors kids) and i hope they will one day realize the honor and favor it is to be chosen by God to be a pastors kid. God puts those types of families together special...because it's not an easy life. (((hug))) loved the article.

Sophyta said...

Hi Gaby,
I've read your story at Amy's place.
Thank you for sharing. It's interesting to note that your family is multicultural, multiracial and multilingual as I live in similar community. Do check me out at my place.

Regards,
Sophyta

Gaby said...

Deborah, it has been a cool week that way! This has been a different experience than the first one and we learned lots.
Wonder Woman, I did not know you were a pastor's kid, but I'm not surprised :) I would not have it any other way. My children are being raised by the community of faith and, while that can have downsides, they are loved by a whole bunch of people who care about their spiritual well-being and I love that!
Sophyta, thank you for stopping by. I will be sure to check out your space :)

Debbie said...

I left a note there. I guess I goofed! This was a wonderful look into the heart of a pastor's wife. I think what you do to avoid the burnout is just perfect.

Anonymous said...

Gaby, thanks for being so transparent and willing to share. I pray that God will continue to help you stay balanced and focused as a truly remarkable helpmate.

Melody said...

Dropping by from Amy's place. Loved reading your article and can relate in some ways. I look forward to reading more of your blog. Adoption is an interest of mine as well. Thanks for sharing over at Amy's.

Unknown said...

I tried about 4 times to leave a comment at Amy's to no avail, so I thought I'd try here, lol... I could totally relate to this post. I have often felt I could never go back to ministry again. It's funny that you should talk about laying it all on the line for the church you work for now. My husband has suggested we do this if we pursue church work again, but I never thought a church would go for it. This gives me some things to think about, so thanks for sharing! Maybe our time isn't over yet...