I was recently asked how a volunteer that previously stepped down from ministry due to burnout should approach going back to volunteering when asked by their church. Here are some questions to consider on the matter:

1. Are you ready to give to others more than you take from the church? If your heart isn’t focused on the desire to minister to others in need, then you aren’t ready yet


2. Have you forgiven those that you consider responsible for causing the burnout, including yourself? If you haven’t forgiven them, it will interfere with your ministry


3. Has the time off from volunteering brought you closer to God or further away? The burnout was most likely caused by serving God more than seeking God - have you restored your relationship or are you still quenching the Holy Spirit through anger or other busyness?


4. Are you considering the same ministry or something new? Joining the same ministry can often produce the same results if left unchecked by both you and the ministry leader


5. If you are joining back as a ministry leader, what is your plan to prevent burnout this time?