Supporting Clergy Well-Being: How Church Leaders Can Use Team Assessment to Prevent Burnout

Introduction

Clergy burnout isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a church-wide concern. When our pastors are spiritually, emotionally, or physically depleted, the entire body feels the impact. As church leaders, you have the power to create a culture of proactive care and sustainable support, but it takes intention and the right tools.

Why Clergy Burnout Happens—and Why Support Matters

Pastors are often seen as pillars of strength, expected to carry the burdens of many, yet rarely invited to share their own. The reality? Seeking support can feel daunting or even taboo. But healthy, thriving pastors are essential for healthy, thriving churches.

Key Point:

The well-being of your pastor and the health of your church are deeply interconnected.

A Team-Based Approach: Rethinking Self-Assessment

My Christian Assessment (featured in “Jesus. Now What?” and “The Living Story Lab”) is designed for personal reflection, but its power multiplies when used as a team.

How Team Assessment Works:

1. Gather Your Leaders
   Invite your church’s leadership team to take the assessment together—either in a group coaching session or as a guided conversation.

2. Open Dialogue
   Discuss your responses. Where are your strengths as a church? Where do you see opportunities for growth? This isn’t about blame—it’s about honest reflection and shared learning.

3. Pastoral Participation
   The pastor then completes the assessment, identifying their own areas of strength and need. This creates a safe space for the pastor to share their perspective and be heard.

4. Collaborative Conversation
   Use these insights to spark ongoing, supportive dialogue. How can the church lean in to support the pastor’s growth and well-being? Where can the pastor lean in to lead and listen with renewed clarity?

Why This Matters

When church leaders and pastors assess, reflect, and grow together, support becomes a habit—not just a reaction to crisis.

Benefits of Team-Based Assessment

• Shared Understanding:
  Develop a common language for discussing spiritual health and ministry needs.

• Collective Wisdom:
  See the bigger picture of where your church is most ready to grow—and where your pastor needs support.

• Proactive Support:
  Move from reactive crisis management to ongoing, intentional care.

Take the Next Step: Try the Christian Assessment as a Team

Ready to cultivate a healthier, more supportive church culture?
Take the Christian Assessment online now—and consider scheduling a group coaching call to maximize your growth.