Stretched ...but steadfast!

Ishbel Straker looks at guarding your wellbeing in ministry

There is a deep sensitivity required in the role of a minister. You are called to empathise with individuals while considering the needs of the wider congregation ‒ all the while maintaining focus on the message you carry.

At times, this can feel like being pulled in different directions, or as many describe it, ‘stretched’.

But sensitivity is not a fixed resource; it is shaped by the condition of our own mental and emotional health.

Research shows that chronic stress and emotional fatigue can significantly alter our capacity for empathy. When we are under pressure, sleep-deprived, or carrying unresolved trauma, our sensitivity can become hypervigilant ‒ we overreact, take everything personally, or feel constantly on edge.

Conversely, when exhaustion or burnout sets in, our sensitivity dulls, leaving us emotionally numb and detached, ministering out of habit rather than genuine care.

The challenge is that either extreme can occur on any given day. In ministry, depletion can become the norm rather than the exception, leading many to question their calling. Psychiatric studies indicate that persistent emotional depletion without restorative practices increases the risk of burnout, anxiety and depression, which in turn can reduce vocational satisfaction and effectiveness.

This makes managing our wellbeing not just a personal concern but a professional necessity. If sensitivity is vital to ministry, then protecting the mental and emotional health that sustains that sensitivity is essential. As we step into this next season, how can we ensure we are ministering from a place of strength rather than depletion?

Prioritise self-care and reflection

Evidence from clinical psychology consistently shows that regular periods of reflection, mindfulness, and self-care reduce stress and improve emotional resilience. Setting aside time to reflect on one’s own mental and emotional state helps maintain clarity and prevents reactive responses to congregational challenges.

Recognise and respect your limits

Burnout research highlights that overwork and failure to set boundaries are leading contributors to emotional exhaustion. Learning to say ‘no’ when necessary, delegating tasks, and protecting rest periods are all critical to sustaining long-term effectiveness. Even highly committed professionals need predictable downtime to recover cognitive and emotional resources.

Build support networks

Isolation is a significant predictor of stress and burnout. Studies show that social support ‒ through peers, mentors, or mental health professionals ‒ buffers against stress, reduces symptoms of depression, and increases resilience. Having a trusted circle to discuss challenges and share responsibility is key to maintaining psychological health in emotionally demanding roles.

Maintain physical health

Physical health directly affects emotional and cognitive functioning. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise are associated with better mood regulation, higher energy levels, and improved stress tolerance. Ignoring these can accelerate burnout and impair decision-making, empathy, and patience.

Cultivate sustainable work practices

Research in occupational psychology shows that chronic overextension leads to compassion fatigue, where professionals feel emotionally depleted and disengaged from their work. Structuring work in sustainable ways, pacing ministry responsibilities, and taking regular breaks helps preserve emotional resources and maintain engagement over the long term.

As you step into a new season, plan not only your work but also your wellbeing. Ministry will always stretch you, but with intentional self-care and support, it does not have to deplete you. By prioritising mental, emotional, and physical health, you will sustain the sensitivity and resilience required to serve effectively, without losing sight of your purpose or calling.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.