Author: Pastor Eli Maga, President of The Task
On one occasion, Jesus warned His disciples that it is no use to gain the whole world if it costs their own soul (Mark 8:36). Two thousand years later, this warning is more relevant than ever for the church. Rarely have we heard of so many pastors and missionaries struggling with deep depression, and cases of suicide have become increasingly frequent. In the United States, 46% of pastors report dealing with some degree of depression. This bitter reality is also spreading among Christians in Brazil, affecting historical churches and pentecostal congregations, across different denominations and streams of faith.
The missionary field is no different. Many servants suffer in silence, facing tough ministries often marked by loneliness. When their crises surface, they are frequently labeled as morally weak or spiritually defeated. The lack of understanding from leaders, churches, and missionary organizations regarding mental health contributes to the worker’s silence, layering new health issues onto those already existing. The fear of losing financial support, partnership accountability, or even their own ministry often makes them hide their struggles with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. In many cases, the outcome is even more troubling: the missionary is neglected precisely by those who should care for and support them in their weaknesses. Have we become an army that abandons its wounded on the battlefield?
The more important question, however, is: why are we so exhausted, anxious, and worn out? Burnout – a syndrome caused by continuous, intense, and prolonged stress – has become a true epidemic among pastors and missionaries. Estimates suggest that in the United States, about 1,500 ministers leave ministry each month due to burnout. Paradoxically, it has almost become a merit badge for a pastor to admit suffering from burnout, as if it reflects greater dedication to the ministry. But, in essence, what does this condition reveal about us, our churches, and how we have been living our lives and vocation? More importantly, what does it reveal about our understanding of Christianity?
We need to discern what has pushed pastors and missionaries to the point of taking their own lives or, in many cases, abandoning ministry, family, and even their faith in the midst of profound despair. It is a delicate and complex subject, but I offer here a brief reflection based on what I have observed. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, being pastored by someone on the verge of exhaustion, or supporting a missionary consumed by depression. My intention is not to judge those who carry such burdens. What I share is an invitation to reflection – for you and for me. A trumpet call, urging us to keep our eyes awake, our ears attentive, and our hearts sensitive.
High Expectations and the Pressure to Perform
I believe one of the reasons so many pastors and missionaries reach the breaking point – some even taking their own lives – is the load of expectations placed upon them. We demand biblical depth and ministerial excellence, yet we care little for their emotional and spiritual well-being. We want eloquent preachers in pulpits and fearless missionaries in the field, but we rarely ask if they are truly experiencing abundant life in God. We expect them to care for everyone, yet forget they are also sheep in need of shepherding.
A minister is called to preach clearly, counsel wisely, skillfully manage the church or mission field, mediate conflicts, raise funds, oversee projects, lead people and ministries – and still be a child, parent, spouse, and citizen. In practice, the ministerial journey extends far beyond legal work hours, often without even one day of rest due to the incessant demands of ministry. When they fail in any of these roles, they not only carry guilt silently but also feel the weight of frustration coming from the church or their missionary organization.
The pressure for results is overwhelming in ministry. Missionaries feel compelled to present impressive reports to secure financial support from their churches. Pastors, on the other hand, often measure the value of their work by comparing the size of their congregation to megachurch statistics, frequently judging themselves as failures. This pressure is not only internal but external as well: there is a constant expectation for higher productivity, almost always expressed in numbers – baptisms, membership growth, or financial contributions.
It is a fact that some leaders, both pastors and missionaries, have settled into a routine of mere sustenance, clinging to positions solely to ensure financial provision, without passion or a vision for expanding the Kingdom. However, I believe these are exceptions rather than the rule. Most carry the burden of almost impossible demands. Therefore, the church must become more sensitive to the weight it places on its workers – or that they place on themselves.
2 https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/burnout-among-missionaries
