Pastor Burnout Is Real. You Are Not Alone.
Ministry shouldn't cost you everything. Here's what the research says — and what you can do about it.
The Numbers Are Sobering
Research from Barna Group, LifeWay, and Pastoral Care Inc. paints a sobering picture of pastoral health in America.
6 Warning Signs of Pastor Burnout
Burnout doesn't arrive overnight. It builds quietly, week after week. Here are the signs to watch for.
Emotional exhaustion
Feeling drained before Sunday even arrives. The passion that once fueled your preaching feels distant.
Cynicism toward ministry
Finding yourself going through the motions. Sermons feel like obligations instead of callings.
Reduced effectiveness
Sermon prep takes longer but produces less. Creativity and insight feel blocked.
Physical symptoms
Chronic fatigue, insomnia, headaches, or unexplained illness that won't resolve.
Isolation
Withdrawing from relationships. Feeling like nobody understands the weight you carry.
Loss of spiritual vitality
When prayer feels empty and Scripture reading becomes just another task on the list.
What Changes When You Get Help
We can't fix every cause of pastor burnout. But we can help with the biggest weekly time sink: sermon preparation.
Before
- 15–20 hours/week on sermon prep
- Hours searching for illustrations
- Staring at a blank page Saturday night
- Guilt about not being "prepared enough"
- No time for pastoral care or rest
After
- 3–5 hours/week with AI-assisted prep
- Relevant illustrations in minutes
- Solid draft by Thursday evening
- Confidence from thorough exegesis
- 10+ hours back for family, rest, and care
SermonForge is one tool in your wellness toolkit — not a replacement for sabbatical, counseling, or genuine rest. It handles the research and drafting so you can focus on what only you can do: being the shepherd your congregation needs.
Get Your Saturday Nights Back
Reduce sermon prep from 15+ hours to 3–5. More time for rest, family, and the ministry that matters.
Resources That Can Help Right Now
Sermon prep is just one piece. Here are organizations dedicated to pastoral health and renewal.