Clergy Self-Care During The Pandemic: Warning Signs That You Need A Break!
Doug Cushing, Pinnacle Associate
We clergy know implicitly what recent Census Bureau data confirmed explicitly. According to a recent article published in the Washington Post, one-third of Americans are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression, Census Bureau data shows, the most definitive and alarming sign yet of the psychological toll exacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
When asked questions normally used to screen patients for mental health problems, 24 percent showed clinically significant symptoms of major depressive disorder and 30 percent showed symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. The findings suggest a huge jump from before the pandemic.
This up-tick in anxiety and depression is, likely, having an obscure but powerful effect on the people in our congregations. But what effects might the Pandemic have upon us, who want to faithfully care for and lead our congregations through these unprecedented times?
I really thought I was doing emotionally well until I noticed specific warning signs that the Pandemic was having an unhealthy effect on me. These warning signs told me that I needed to take better care of myself. Here are five ‘warning signs’ that the stress of leading a congregation during a Pandemic may be sneaking up on you.
Warning Sign #1: – Lack of Creativity! The first sign that the stress of the Pandemic was affecting me more than I realized was a lack of creativity. I felt like the well of inspiration had run dry and I couldn’t get my creative mojo back – no matter how hard I tried. Do you find yourself getting ‘stuck’ while working with other leaders to innovate the ministries of your congregation? Are you lacking imagination in terms of problem solving? Does sermon writing feel listless or dull?
Warning Sign #2: – Lack of Discipline! When I realized that stress of the pandemic was sneaking up on me, my devotional life was rich and consistent. But many other daily disciplines were floundering. I had stopped my exercise routine. My eating habits were not good. Staying in touch with family and friends was hit or miss. How are you doing with your priorities? Are you balancing work and rest? What was the last thing you did to feed your soul? When was the last time you used the word ‘fun’ to describe your day?
Warning Sign #3: - Lack of Energy! I am blessed because I really love my calling to parish ministry. I have no trouble getting excited about the tasks of leading my congregation. Yet, as I settled into the reality that the Pandemic was not going away, I recognized a steady decline in energy. The tasks I typically would embrace began feeling mundane. Normal enthusiasm was being depleted. How do you check your energy level for parish ministry? Are the tasks that normally feed your soul, suddenly feeling blah? Are you procrastinating more than normal?
Warning Sign #4: - Lack of Trust! The liminal space we leaders are in can be very unsettling. We’ve been thrust into a situation we are utterly and totally unprepared for. Suddenly things felt out of my control for me. Would people quit watching our live stream? Would giving decrease? It took me a while before I realized that being in the wilderness of a Pandemic requires that I put my total trust in the Lord. Are you trying to be superman or superwoman to your congregation? Are you anxious about saying: “I don’t know?” Have you given up control to the Lord of the Church?
Warning Sign #5: - Lack of Patience! As the Pandemic dragged on, I began noticing that I was more irritable. I was getting frustrated more easily. Little things were starting to become big things. My judgment was getting a bit clouded and I was noticeably frustrated with myself and others. Are you finding yourself more on edge…more irritable? How is your tolerance level these days? Are you able to pray for and forgive those who are frustrating you?
The cumulative effect of these five warning signs led me to schedule a week of vacation; a week of con ed and a lot of alone time with the Lord. I needed to recover the things that feed my soul and renew my spiritual vitality. A key verse for me was Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Few people ask us pastors: How are you doing? When we are asked that question, we aren’t always honest with our self or with those asking. Soooooooooooooooo, I’m asking you: “How are you doing these days?” Do you see any of the above warning signs in your weekly routine? When was the last time you took two full days off? When was your last vacation? If you are feeling depleted, remember to take time away and be with the Lord of the Church. “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”