A personal letter to executive directors, ministry leaders, and nonprofit founders who are tired, discouraged, and wondering if it’s time to walk away.
In 1997, I moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota—just after the waters of the city’s historical Red River flood had receded.
What stuck with me wasn’t merely the devastation from waters that reached more than three miles inland. It was a single statistic shared by a visiting speaker:
“After a disaster, 75% of spiritual leaders will leave their role within a year.”
I didn’t believe it at the time. But over the next decade, I watched that truth unfold.
One by one, I watched many pastors, ministry directors, and nonprofit leaders walk away. Some quietly. Some with ceremony. But most with deep exhaustion, grief, and guilt.
No judgment from me. I believe they had given everything possible—and had little left.
And honestly? I’ve been there.
Why Nonprofit and Ministry Leadership Feels So Heavy
You love the mission.
You care about people.
You want to make a difference.
But the board meetings, the budget shortfalls, the endless decisions, and the emotional labor stack up. Add in family obligations, issues of faith, and mental health challenges, and it’s no wonder so many leaders end up burned out.
I’ve had moments where I whispered to God, “Is this still what you want from me?”
And I’ve had seasons where silence was the loudest thing in my prayer life.
If that’s you right now, please know that you’re not weak; you’re human.
What to Do When You’re Ready to Quit
There’s a story in the Bible I can’t forget: Elijah under the broom tree (1 Kings 19).
After a major spiritual victory, Elijah fled.
He sat under a tree and prayed to die.
“I have had enough, Lord,” he said.
Surprisingly, God didn’t rebuke him.
And He didn’t give him a motivational speech.
Instead, God sent an angel.
With food.
And told Elijah to sleep.
You Might Not Need a New Mission.
You Might Just Need…
- An unhurried meal.
- Many naps.
- Long walks with your family.
- Time to linger and listen to a friend.
You are not your donor report.
You are not your ministry’s budget.
You are not the outcomes of your last grant.
You are God’s beloved.
And He is still with you and for you—even under the broom tree.
Three Gifts for the Burned-Out Leader
These are gifts I want to offer you right now. I believe God does, too.
1. Permission to Rest
Not rest as a strategy to bounce back.
Not rest to perform better.
Just rest.
Sabbath isn’t weakness; it’s worship.
2. Freedom to Be Honest
You don’t have to hold it all together.
Cry. Confess. Call a friend.
Your raw honesty doesn’t scare God. In fact, He invites it. (James 5:16; John 4:24)
3. Courage to Do the Hard Questioning
Maybe the issue isn’t “Should I quit?”
Maybe it’s “What am I really longing for?”
What are you longing for? Relief? Healing? To be truly seen?
If leaving might fill that longing and is something you are seriously considering, don’t decide in isolation.
Pray earnestly about your decision, and listen (with courage) to God’s leading.
Talk through your reasons with a trusted family member, mentor, or friend.
If needed, create a pros and cons list.
And remember: God is not far off. And He’s not disappointed in you.
God Still Sees You
If today feels like your “broom tree moment,” let me say this clearly:
God sees you. He knows. And He’s not done being kind to you.
Your calling was never based on your capacity.
It’s rooted in your connection to the One who called you.
So if you need to or feel called to stay—stay.
If you need to step away—do so in peace.
But either way, don’t go it alone.
You are more than your title.
You are God’s child.
And He promises to be with you always, no matter what.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28
Need someone to talk to who’s been there?
If you need someone to talk to who has walked a path similar to yours, please contact me. I offer one-on-one sessions with nonprofit and ministry leaders who need space to think clearly, pray honestly, and plan practically.
👉 Reach out here. (You can expense it as Strategic Planning.)
A Personal Note
I left full-time ministry after 15 years.
Our team had just hosted a successful gala with 800 attendees and raised tens of thousands of dollars for a homeless shelter. I had the best staff of my career. Everything was going well.
But I felt done.
It was then that I launched Bold Leading to help leaders like you (like me)—those doing God’s work and quietly wondering if they’re falling apart in the process.
My mom used to pray,
“Father, put me in the pocket right beside Your heart.”
That’s the visual I hold onto now.
I think God’s got a pocket just your size.
Whether you’re a nonprofit executive director, ministry leader, or kingdom builder in the trenches…
You don’t have to lead alone anymore.
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