11 Helpful Books on Burnout and Ministry

Read these. They’ll be helpful for you.

Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton

Barton explores how to create a rhythm of spiritual practices that nourish the soul and bring a sense of peace and balance. The book emphasises the importance of solitude, prayer, and other disciplines to maintain spiritual vitality and avoid burnout.

Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss

Cuss addresses the common issue of anxiety in leadership, offering strategies to manage personal and organisational anxiety. The book provides practical tools to create a healthier, more effective leadership environment.

The Unhurried Pastor: Redefining Productivity for a More Sustainable Ministry by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin

Croft and Martin challenges the conventional notions of productivity in ministry, advocating for a more sustainable approach. They provide practical guidance for pastors to slow down, prioritise their well-being, and maintain long-term ministry effectiveness.

Pastoral Perseverance by Brian Croft and James Carroll

Brian Croft and James Carroll strengthen pastors by pointing them to God’s word for help in facing the unique challenges of pastoral ministry in the modern day so that they will not merely survive, but stay, endure, and even thrive.

Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash

Ash addresses the risk of burnout in ministry, offering practical advice for maintaining zeal and passion without sacrificing personal health and well-being. The book emphasises the importance of rest, boundaries, and reliance on God.

Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine

Eswine delves into the life and struggles of Charles Spurgeon, offering hope and practical advice for those suffering from depression. The book combines historical insights with pastoral care principles to support those experiencing mental health challenges.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

Scazzero argues that true spiritual maturity requires emotional health. He provides a framework for integrating emotional and spiritual growth, offering practical steps to address emotional issues and foster a healthier spiritual life.

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

Newport discusses how to achieve sustainable productivity without succumbing to burnout. He explores the principles of slow productivity, which prioritise meaningful work and long-term success over immediate results and constant busyness.

Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery by Gordon Parker

Parker provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, identifying, and recovering from burnout. The book offers strategies for self-care, stress management, and developing resilience to prevent future episodes of burnout.

HBR Guide to Beating Burnout by Harvard Business Review

This guide compiles insights and strategies from various experts to help professionals recognise the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to address it. The book covers practical approaches to managing stress and improving work-life balance.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Comer addresses the problem of busyness, arguing that it hinders spiritual health and well-being. He advocates for a slower, more intentional life through practices like Sabbath, simplicity, and solitude to align more closely with God’s purposes and experience deeper meaning.