As we move into the busy holiday and Advent season, I’m doing my best to practice what I preach - novel concept, right? 😄
A little behind-the-scenes moment from Restore Clergy: our board met this past weekend, and it was exactly what I needed as the Founder.
I didn’t realize how close I was to burnout until I sat down with people who truly care about me. I’d been doing all the usual nervous system–regulating things that normally help: swapping intense workouts for walks, cutting back on caffeine, and spending time doing what I love (knitting and audiobooks 🤓). But I was still grumpy, withdrawn, and just...not ok.
I thought I was tired. What I discovered during the retreat was that my nervous system was in freeze and I was actually in the early stages of burnout. 😱
The irony? I just led a CEU session in September called “Burnout in Ministry: What to Look For and How to Prevent It.”
Talk about healer, know thyself!
Here’s the truth: even when we know what works, burnout can still sneak up on us. What I realized this weekend is that I absolutely cannot do this work alone - and neither should you.
Find the people who hold you up when you’re starting to crumble.
Find your Aaron and Hur (Exodus 17:12 NRSV) - or your Geoff, Rebecca, and Lindsey, in my case - so they can steady you when the weight feels too heavy to carry alone.
And if you don’t have that yet, Restore Clergy can help.
We not only guide clergy to lead from abundance instead of burnout, but we also create spaces for real, authentic connection.
Here's What’s Coming Up:
🌿 Leading From Abundance — Begins January 8
A 4-week virtual program designed to help you start the new year grounded, resilient, and renewed.
💫 The Restoration Fellowship — Begins post-Easter with an in-person retreat
A deeper, transformational 12 month journey toward sustainable ministry and authentic connection.
If you want to feel different heading into the holiday season next year, take the first step now.
The antidote to burnout isn’t just rest - it’s connection and self-understanding.