Preventing Burnout: A Guide for Pastors in Isolated Areas

I still remember the day I sat in my truck, parked behind the church, hands gripping the steering wheel, trying to convince myself to walk back in. I had just finished Sunday service—preached the Word, shook hands at the door, even helped take down chairs—but I felt completely empty. Not spiritually drained from pouring into others… just done.

It wasn’t that I didn’t love the people. I did. And I still do. But I was isolated. Tired. Carrying the burden of ministry like it was mine alone. And I was on the edge of burnout.That moment behind the church wasn’t my breaking point—but it was a wake-up call.

If you’re pastoring in a rural or isolated area, you probably know that feeling too. You love your calling, but sometimes the weight feels like too much. And in places where help isn’t around the corner, burnout becomes a real danger.

Here’s the truth: You’re not weak for feeling tired. You’re not failing if you’re running low. And you don’t have to do this alone.

Let me share some hard-won wisdom that helped me—and might just help you too.

1. Don’t Minister Alone—Even If You Feel Alone

I know what it’s like to look around and feel like the only one doing the work. But I promise you—there are others, and God didn’t design ministry to be a solo mission. In fact, the more isolated we feel, the more we need connection.

What helped me:

• I reached out to another rural pastor I barely knew—and we started praying together once a month.

• I plugged into our local association and finally realized: there’s a whole network of people who get it.

Try this: Contact a fellow pastor, join a cohort, or just call someone you trust and say, “I need to talk.”

2. Set Boundaries—Even in Small Towns

Small towns often mean big expectations. You’re not just “pastor”—you’re counselor, janitor, tech guy, and the one who always answers the phone. But listen: Jesus didn’t heal every person. Even He pulled away to rest.

You are not being selfish when you say no. You’re being faithful to steward your health and your family.

What helped me:

• I put “Sabbath” on the calendar in ink—not pencil.

• I told my church leaders, “If I burn out, I can’t serve you well. Help me protect my rest.”

3. Feed Your Soul First

When your only time in Scripture is for sermon prep, you're living off scraps. I didn’t realize how dry I had become until I opened God’s Word just for me again. That’s when refreshment started to return.

Try this:

• Read the Psalms aloud.

• Journal your prayers.

• Listen to worship without multitasking.

Let the Shepherd feed you before you feed others.

4. Ask for Help—It’s Not Weakness

The turning point for me was realizing: I’m not Superman, and no one called me to be. God didn’t ask me to do everything—He asked me to be faithful.

Start here:

• Identify one task to delegate this month.

• Ask someone to preach one Sunday so you can rest.

• Talk to your association—there is help with pulpit supply, strategy, or just encouragement.

You don’t have to carry it all.

5. Remember Why You Started

When the pressure mounts, we forget the purpose. Burnout makes you believe you're not making a difference. But you are. If you’re preaching Jesus faithfully, you’re winning.

Write this down:“Faithfulness is success.”

When you remember your “why”—when you trace your calling back to the One who called you—you’ll find fresh strength to keep going.

You’re Not Alone

If you're tired today, know this: you're not forgotten. You're not overlooked. You're not invisible to the God who called you, or to the network of pastors and leaders who walk this same road.

The Scioto Valley Baptist Association sees you. And we're here to walk with you.

Feeling the weight? Reach out. Take the Church Health Assessment. Let us connect you to a revitalization coach, a friend, or just someone to talk with.You’re not meant to do this alone—and by God’s grace, you don’t have to.