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Resources
“I was one of 2 pastors at a large church and was the camp director of a camp the church owned. Our senior pastor left in January 2020 right before COVID and the elders asked me to hold down the fort until we got a new lead pastor. It took more than a year and before long, I became completely burned out and was angry at everyone including God. I just wanted to quit ministry and become a Wal-Mart greeter. In February 2021, my wife and I went to a Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat and that began my healing process! Long-story-short, by October 2023, I became the Executive Director of Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat and below is a list of resources that were very helpful during and since my healing.” - Rev. Kevin Bueltmann, Executive Director of Shepherd's Canyon Retreat
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer is a powerful book that is a game-changer for avoiding burnout in ministry. It helps you see how always being in a hurry can be detrimental to our WALK with Jesus.
Wounded Warriors of the Cross hosts a bi-monthly podcast to educate and inform those in the ministry in areas of mental health and wellbeing. WWC is a Professionally Licensed Telehealth Counseling Service. WWC exclusively serves pastors and those in the ministry. Rev. Dr. Gary J Ellul is an LPC, CpastC, and a retired pastor. WWC has an active Facebook presence.
Delight Your Marriage is a popular podcast hosted by Belah Rose, but also has 12-week coaching programs for men and women to go through separately. This incredible marriage ministry can transform your marriage even if only one person is doing the work. Click here for Kevin's interview where he talks about compassion fatigue.
Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro is a very helpful book for church leaders who feel they have nothing left to give written by someone who went through this himself.
The Grace Place Podcast by Rev. Dr. Greg Walton of Grace Place Wellness offers helpful wisdom and insights for living life to the full and preventing burnout in ministry. It is highly recommended to start with Episode 1.
Run Hard. Rest Well.® equips people to embrace a pace and passion for work and rest that is transformative and sustainable through resources, retreats, events, books, speaking engagements, social media, etc. Founder, Brenda Jank is a partner ministry with Shepherd's Canyon Retreat.
A Ministry Sabbatical is usually 3 months for the purpose of rest and renewal that benefits both the worker AND the congregation or ministry. It is not an extended vacation nor is it an academic sabbatical, rather it is a release from the routine of the call for the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual well-being of the church worker. Click here for more details.
Emotionally Heathy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation by Pete Scazzero
The Power of Humility: Living Like Jesus: Discover how pride can sneak into your life and learn to walk in humility like Jesus did. - by R.T. Kendall
Own Your Past Change Your Future: A Not-So-Complicated Approach to Relationships, Mental Health & Wellness - by Dr. John Delony
When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People by Gary Thomas
Doxology provides a safe environment for clergy to reflect on their own spiritual and emotional health and assists them to review and enhance their professional competencies and skills as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s sacred mysteries.
Pastor's Positive Mental Health Building the Positive Mental Health of Pastors. Dr. Kirk Triplett offers a wide range of coaching services for pastors, church leaders, and congregations. His areas of expertise include stress management, work-life balance, church leadership transitions, and personal growth. He also has a podcast. Click the link for his podcast interview with Kevin Bueltmann.
More Resources
Coming soon...
Places of Rest. A list of places for ministry leaders to go for little or no cost for respite (for individuals or couples').
Marriage Retreats - A list of recommended retreats for rejuvenating your marriage.
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