What is Spiritual Burnout?

I spent my life becoming the perfect Christian. I was a model church member. Saved, baptized, and making disciples. I attended every church service and prayer night. I served in the youth ministry, the worship ministry, and the children’s ministry and said yes to every additional opportunity. I graduated from Bible school with a thorough knowledge of theology, hermeneutics, and proper exegesis. And by the time I was 22, I was preaching Scripture and writing Bible curriculum. I was becoming a ministry powerhouse, but I could barely walk into the doors of a church. I had never heard of spiritual burnout at the time, but I was already a casualty of it.

My Story of Spiritual Burnout

I was already nearly a decade into ministry by the time I graduated high school. By the time I graduated from college, I felt spiritually depleted, emotionally drained, and physically exhausted. My faith was my identity, but it now felt lifeless. The pages of my Bible had been made into a textbook, and sitting through another church service just became a game of “Christian blunder bingo.” I despised the Christian checklist in my mind, filled with task after task required to maintain the “good church girl” standing I had worked so hard for. I didn’t want to be labeled a cynic, a doubter, or, worst of all, “lukewarm.” But I’d lost sight of the beauty of Christ, and it all felt like one limp cliche. 

Where was a twentysomething cynic to go? The Christian bookstores were filled with resources for those new to the faith, and by nature, the programs at surrounding churches necessitated deeper participation to get involved. Was there a version of faith that allowed me to simultaneously back off and press in? 

What is Spiritual Burnout?

Spiritual burnout is a state of exhaustion and overwhelm that comes with spiritual overcommitment, overexertion, or overidentification. People who are spiritually burnt out often feel disconnected from God, others, or even themselves. They will likely feel drained or disillusioned in their faith or participation in church activities. As they navigate their relationship with God, the Bible, or Christian communities, they often experience feelings of doubt, cynicism, or apathy toward activities or expressions that they previously found important. It’s common to feel a disconnection with concepts that were previously deeply held beliefs or convictions, which can cause individuals to feel like they are losing themselves, their faith, or their connection with God. 

How do I know if I’m Spiritually Burnt Out?

The simplest way to know if you’re spiritually burnt out is to ask yourself some questions and observe your gut reaction to them. Don’t just say what you think you’re supposed to say or moralize and immediately criticize yourself for responses that feel “less spiritual.” Instead, offer yourself a moment of grace to acknowledge how you feel and observe your true reactions.

• Does the thought of saying “yes” to more ministry teams or events at church make you feel drained?
• Do you feel a sense of apathy, numbness, or disconnection when engaging in spiritual activities?
• Have you felt a decrease in the joy or excitement you used to experience in your faith?
• Do you feel less fulfilled by church activities or ministry participation than you used to?
• Do you find it difficult to connect with God emotionally or feel close to Him?
• Is the primary reason you say “yes” to church activities based on a sense of obligation or duty rather than joy and fulfillment? 
• Do you feel an aversion that might keep you from enjoying prayer or worship events?
• Do you feel like God hears your prayers and answers them? When you seek Him, do you hear from Him?
• Have you found yourself questioning previously held beliefs? 
• Do you find your thoughts about religious institutions and spiritual leaders to be more cynical than hopeful?
• Have you experienced a season of doubt in your faith or disillusionment about the church?
• Do you feel a lack of motivation to engage in activities that might help you grow in your faith?

If you said yes to even a few of these questions, you may be experiencing spiritual burnout. 

What Should I Do if I’m Spiritually Burnt Out?

If you, like me, have gotten burnt out in your faith, there is hope. The first piece of good news is that there’s a name for what you’re experiencing. You’re not a “bad Christian.” You’re just burnt out. So here’s what you don’t do:

• Don’t shame yourself for being burnt out
• Don’t push harder to overcome your burnout
• Don’t walk away from your faith altogether

Instead, it’s time to rediscover the delight, joy, and freedom of your faith. It is possible. You don’t have to stay in this constant cycle. Instead, you can find new, refreshing ways to engage with God and others that will energize you and feel like rest. Are you ready? Then follow along with this blog series so you don’t miss a single post. Better yet, join my newsletter so you get notified every time I post. Let go of hustle culture and embrace the hope and healing of burnout recovery with me!