Author Archives: Michael D Johnson

Numerous times I have found myself in discussions about pastoral ministry burnout and how to come out of it (not to mention of course what we might do to avoid it in the first place). Without oversimplifying it or making light of the pain of burnout I want to offer a few words regarding howContinueContinue reading “An introduction to overcoming burnout”

Sometimes I think it becomes far too easy to be distracted and preoccupied with thoughts about wanting to be productive and effective rather than to just put our hand to the work.  What I mean is this: we spend time analyzing our work, we think about and discuss our mission, vision and goals, we critiqueContinueContinue reading “Am I effective and productive?”

Dear Pastor, Do you ever struggle with the idea that you don’t have what it takes? Do you ever think that you should not be the person others come to, when they have questions about God and the Bible and spiritual matters? Do you think, “I’m not right for this” or “I’m not good enoughContinueContinue reading “Overcoming doubts, weaknesses and insecurities”

Dear pastor, I really want to make a difference.  I can’t stand the idea of wasting my life.  The doubts and fears that encroach on me as a pastor can at times be overwhelming: Why have they stopped attending?Why do they insist on acting that way?We just can’t keep going the way things are…Why areContinueContinue reading “I don’t want to waste my life”