When I ask, “Is it time for a change?” I mean it could be several things:

Change of schedule. 

Change of priorities.   

Change of job description.  

Change of role.  

Change of career.

Change by leaving where you are.

Now, I understand that many of us do not have the control to change much of the above.   I also acknowledge the “stuck-ness” many of us feel because we have responsibilities—family, home, financial obligations and realities. Not to mention the fact that we may have invested years of education and training into a career, only to find it different than what we expected. Or, we have climbed the “ladder” of our career, and found the rung we are on is nothing like we enjoyed in the beginning.  Change has a real cost, and in some cases, may not be possible. 

Still, based on conversations with leaders in various spheres–non-profits, business, and the church–and in reflecting on several transitions I’ve had in my life, I’ve heard some recurring themes when people are considering or needing a change.  

When our physical health is telling us to.  

One leader spoke of feeling their heart rate increase as they approached their office after some time away.  They felt a change in their body.  Other leaders report feeling a constant tightness in their chest, butterflies in their stomach, or lack of appetite while at work.   

Recent data by the Barna group:

Physical, emotional and mental health among pastors is lower than the general population…and notably behind practicing Christians. This is especially alarming since a leader’s wholeness is intertwined with their ministry, for better or for worse. Barna researchers have observed a strong link between pastors’ falling conviction in their vocational calling and a drop in their overall mental, emotional and even physical well-being. Pastors with diminished well-being may have a higher risk of burnout.  (see report here)

In my 25 years of being a pastor, I remember thinking that things like working out or taking time for exercise felt “selfish” amidst the many needs of people we were serving.  I’m sure the same is true for people in other professions.  Organizational culture may reward those who sacrifice everything for the mission, to the neglect of other priorities, even one’s health.  

Truth be told—a lot of us have learned to ignore or push past the physical signs until it’s simply not possible any more.  We say, “I don’t have time to be sick,”  and fuel ourselves with over-the-counter medications to mask the symptoms. Though intellectually we may agree that we are created in God’s image, with body, mind, and spirit, we often prioritize the mind or spirit and push past the signals our bodies may be sending.  

When was the last time you noticed what your body was telling you?

What are the signs you pay attention to that inform you that you’re pushing yourself too hard?

What do you want to change when it comes to your health?

THANK YOU!

I began raising financial support for this work in late 2023.  Now, as I begin 2026, I remain fully supported thanks to partners like you.  I will be needing to raise additional support in a few months, as several partners have had to change their giving over the past two years.  Thank you for making this work possible!

I am serving with a ministry called Standing Stone, which has aimed for over twenty years to provide a space for free, confidential coaching and care for pastors, ministry leaders, and leaders of every sphere. Standing Stone believes that healthy leaders need companions on their leadership journey, and that healthy leaders will lead healthy organizations that help transform their communities. You can learn more here: https://standingstoneministry.org/shepherd/burke-david/