Date: Jun 30, 2003 [ 8: 37: 30]
Subject: Tip of the Week - Burnout - Prevention - 2
© 2003 BCP Harry Shelton Cole
Subject: Tip of the Week - Burnout - Prevention - 2
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Tip of the Week 06-13-97
Burnout - Prevention - 2
In last weeks Tip we mentioned the importance of stress and dealing with it
effectively to prevent burnout. Here are 3 more tips in dealing with and
preventing burnout.
1. Establish your internal anchors - Why do you do the things you do?
Have you ever done something right and knew you were smack dab in the
middle of the Will of God? Do you know the feeling you get when you please
God? Eric Little, missionary to China and Olympic champion, is quoted to
have said to his fiance in reply to her concern that he was devoting
himself to sport too much, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure." He was
sure of what God wanted him to do and it mattered little to him what others
thought. In John 12:42-43 the Bible says, 42 Nevertheless among the chief
rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not
confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they
loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Find your anchor and
establish it. The storms will come and you can remain secure and peaceful.
2. Plug the Power leaks - Jesus noticed when someone touched him even in a
crowd. The good pastor and church planter is keenly aware of problems and
needy people in his realm of influence. Some of these people can attach
themselves like a leach and suck the power right out of you. Burnout often
results when sufficient emotional energy has been drained and then a
crushing blow is administered in the most insignificant way. I see two
ways to deal with or "plug" such power leaks.
a. Limit and guard the time you spend with those who are "high
maintenance" people. Many will probably never be able to stand on their
own and suck your energy levels dry. Worse than that, you may pick up
their energy draining, "high maintenance" attitude and become an energy
drain in your marriage or to your friends in ministry.
b. Take the time to plug the holes by retreating. Part of the wisdom of
Jesus in leading his disciples apart was to refresh and restore those
energy levels. They also evaluated their effectiveness and probably
determined what was the most effective way to prevent energy loss and
maintain a highly effective ministry.
3. Fellowship - I know we have a lot of different guys from all over the
country and world on this list, however, if you are an independent Baptist
there is a good chance there is a fellowship meeting of preachers going on
in your area somewhere. The BBF, WBF, SBF and others meet together for a
reason. Do you know what it is? You guessed right! FELLOWSHIP! Why?
Jesus came apart with his disciples and preached to them and laughed with
them and refreshed with them. Our fellowship meetings are just such an
occasion here in New England. Take the time to learn, not burn!
Next Week - Burnout - Some resources.
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