Oct 1 • Lessons Learned
Leadership in Practice: From Burnout to Joy
Leadership in Practice: From Burnout to Joy
In the late 1990s, during a period of fast growth, we hit a wall. Staff loved the mission — hearts were fully in it — but exhaustion was everywhere. People were dragging, tempers were short, and turnover was creeping in.
Not that the vision was wrong.
It was that the pace wasn’t sustainable.
Passion alone couldn’t carry us.
So we made some intentional changes:
- We built renewal rhythms into our calendar.Sabbath wasn’t optional — we scheduled downtime, retreats, and breathing space.
- We rotated duties to share the load.Instead of the same people carrying the heaviest burdens, we spread responsibilities so no one was crushed.
- We created prayer + encouragement partners.Everyone had someone to check in with, pray with, and remind them they weren’t alone.
Over time, the shift was dramatic. The atmosphere changed from “barely surviving” to “serving with joy.” Work didn’t get easier, but it became life-giving again.
Leadership Lessons Learned
✅ Mission doesn’t excuse exhaustion. Loving the work doesn’t make burnout holy. Leaders have a responsibility to model rest.
✅ Shared load, shared joy. When everyone carries a piece, no one breaks under the weight. Delegation is discipleship in disguise.
✅ Encouragement is fuel. Systems and strategy matter, but people thrive when they know they’re prayed for and supported.
Discussion Prompts for You
- When you’ve faced a tough leadership season, what helped you push through?
- What’s one practice or routine that keeps you grounded as a leader?
- Looking back, what’s the best piece of leadership advice you wish you’d followed sooner?
Leave comments below and share your lessons learned during challenging leadership growth.
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Leadership in Practice: From Burnout to Joy
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