May 15, 2025
Ecclesiastes 10:10 reminds us, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.”
Leadership burnout results from continually giving one’s energy and resources for the well-being of others without taking time to invest in one’s own well-being—or a failure to sharpen one’s ax.
Some will immediately cry out that they would rather burn-out than rust-out (meaning they prefer burn-out to sitting idly by and doing nothing with their life). A good friend of mine points out the obvious problem with that remark is that “either way, you are still out."
How can pastors, elders and ministry leaders make sure they are keeping their ax sharpened for a lifetime of effective ministry? Here are seven suggestions to consider:
1. Read: Reading books or listening to audiobooks, podcasts and webinars helps leaders stay fresh for ministry by exposing us to new content and stimulating our thinking. Reading ministry-related journals and articles serves the same purpose. Carve out time daily for reading.
2. Reflect: Taking time at the end of each day—or week—to reflect on your work will allow space to celebrate the things you have seen God doing as well as consider things you wish you would have done differently. Consider finding 10 or 15 minutes at the end of the day with a cup of coffee and a quiet place to reflect on your day. It will recharge you.
3. Rest: Charles Stanley said that sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. There will be times when a demanding ministry pulls you out of your normal sleep patterns. You may have a late-night hospital visit, you may be up late with sick children or you may be required to start your day earlier than normal. Sleep experts generally agree that we cannot make up for lost sleep, but nevertheless a good nap can bring a fresh perspective on an otherwise difficult ministry season.
4. Recreate: Recreation can be helpful in rejuvenating your energy level. Whether it is taking a walk, riding four-wheelers, hunting, playing golf or hiking with your family, doing things you enjoy can make the work seem not so challenging. Find something you enjoy doing and take time to pull away from work and do it.
5. Relax: I love to relax at the end of the day with a cup of coffee, a comfortable chair and a quiet spot. In the summer I look for a shade tree and in the winter I look for an indoor spot out of the traffic of people. This time allows me to process the activity of the day and to prepare to go home and be fully present with Connie, my wife. You must find what works for you, but each leader needs to find a way to relax.
6. Relate: One way to sharpen your ax is to spend time with the key people in your life. For leaders, it is good to regularly be with people who do not need anything from you or expect anything from you except to be yourself and enjoy relationships. Everyone needs a group of friends or family like this. Time with them can be life-giving.
7. Retreat: Sometimes we need more time away so we can return to our work and calling re-energized. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, and lots of other places, provide housing for pastors and ministry leaders to get away and recharge. A two- or three-day retreat can be a great time to reset your vision and call.
If you have ever been on an airline, you have been told that in case of an emergency you must put your own air mask on first. You can’t help others when you are gasping for air yourself. The same is true for sharpening your ax. If we hope to live lives devoted to serving Jesus by ministering to others, we must each figure out how to incorporate ax- sharpening activities into our schedule. You will be a more effective pastor, elder or ministry leader if you do.
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Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. This commentary first appeared in Kentucky Today.
