How To Preach For Burned Out People: 5-Step Living An Energetic Life

• How to Preach for Burned Out People:

5-Step Living an energetic life

What Exactly Is Burnout?

Burnout is a condition of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress, especially in the workplace or daily life. This condition is not just ordinary tiredness but a deep exhaustion that leads to a decline in motivation, enthusiasm, and productivity. As a result, the person may appear hopeless about their life.

What Do Experts Say?

According to Maslach and Leiter, two prominent psychologists specializing in burnout, burnout is characterized by three main components:

• Emotional exhaustion: Feeling completely drained, unable to emotionally connect with work or others.

• Depersonalization or cynicism: Developing a negative, cynical attitude or distancing oneself from work and surroundings.

• Reduced personal accomplishment: Feeling ineffective, losing self-confidence, and experiencing decreased productivity.

Other experts, like Kreitner and Kinicki, add that burnout results from chronic stress that causes a person to begin questioning their personal values. Pines and Aronson also describe burnout as psychological pressure caused by continuous stress, marked by physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.

What Are the Common Causes of Burnout?

Generally, burnout occurs due to several main factors:

• Excessive workload and time pressure: High demands at work or study without adequate breaks.

• Lack of control: Having no control over work, time, or important decisions.

• Lack of support: Minimal social support from supervisors, coworkers, or family.

• Mismatch of values or principles: Working or being in an environment that does not align with personal values or expectations.

• Unbalanced lifestyle: Insufficient time for oneself, hobbies, or rest, leading to an imbalance between work and personal life.

In short, burnout is physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion due to prolonged stress, commonly triggered by excessive work pressure, lack of control, and minimal social support.

Burnout is a real and pressing issue affecting people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The Bible offers wisdom, comfort, and practical steps for those feeling overwhelmed. Here is a step-by-step approach, anchored in Scripture, for preaching to people experiencing burnout.

Step 1: Acknowledge the Reality of Burnout

• Begin by recognizing that burnout is real and can affect anyone, including faithful believers and leaders. Normalize the experience so people don’t feel alone or ashamed.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Step 2: Invite People to Rest in God’s Presence

• Emphasize that true rest and restoration come from God, not from striving or self-reliance. Encourage your audience to slow down, rest, and take care of their bodies and souls.

• “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” — Exodus 33:14

• Practical Tip: Suggest taking intentional time for physical rest and spiritual reflection.

Step 3: Encourage Casting Burdens on the Lord

• Teach that God invites us to bring our worries, stress, and exhaustion to Him. He promises to sustain and strengthen us when we feel weak.

• “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” — Psalm 55:22

• Practical Tip: Lead the congregation in a moment of prayer, surrendering their burdens to God.

Step 4: Remind of God’s Strength in Our Weakness

• Affirm that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. We don’t have to rely on our own strength—God’s grace is enough.

• “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” — Isaiah 40:29

• “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13

Step 5: Encourage Perseverance and Hope

• Inspire hope by reminding people that seasons of burnout are temporary. Encourage them not to give up, because God promises a harvest for those who persevere.

• “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Summary about Burnout

Step Focus Key Bible Verse

1 Acknowledge burnout Matthew 11:28

2 Rest in God’s presence Exodus 33:14

3 Cast burdens on God Psalm 55:22

4 Rely on God’s strength Isaiah 40:29, Philippians 4:13

5 Persevere with hope Galatians 6:9

Additional Encouragement

• Remind your listeners that even biblical heroes like Elijah experienced burnout and that God cared for them practically and spiritually.

• Encourage daily practices of gratitude, prayer, and seeking God’s presence to renew their strength.

By following these steps and grounding your message in Scripture, you can offer hope, practical help, and spiritual encouragement to those struggling with burnout.

June 25 , 2025

Saumiman Saud

Cornerstone Evangelical Baptist Church

San Francisco

WA +1 (415) 813 9772, Support via Zelle 4158139772