After the Victory . . . the Battle Begins (Part 2)

Paul J. Scharf

Read Part 1.

Even God’s greatest servants may suffer extreme discouragement, as we are learning from a brief survey of the experience of the prophet Elijah. One of my seminary professors invented a name for his response to the threats he faced following his glorious victory on Mount Carmel—the Elijah Syndrome.*

I define the Elijah Syndrome as a combination of physical and spiritual fatigue, resulting in despair.

Discussion

After the Victory . . . the Battle Begins (Part 1)

Paul J. Scharf

On Mount Carmel, Elijah experienced one of the greatest spiritual victories recorded in all of Holy Scripture. His triumph over Ahab, Jezebel and “the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah” (1 Kings 18:19) devastated the wicked king and queen.

Discussion

Pastor, Don’t Waste Your Discouragement

SI Filings

“Seasons of discouragement are inevitable for any gospel minister. It comes with the territory. But I learned something else in 44 years of pastoral ministry: the Lord uses seasons of discouragement as seasons of growth.” - TGC

Discussion

A real-time answer to the clergy burnout crisis

SI Filings

“When asked, ‘Have you given real, serious consideration to quitting being in full-time ministry within the last year?’ 29 percent said yes in January 2021. A year and a half later, 41 percent said yes.” - Denison

Discussion

Burned out, exhausted, leaving: A new survey finds clergy are not OK

SI Filings

“The report… documents the growing number of American clergy who are burned out and have considered leaving either their current congregation — 44% — or the profession itself — more than half (53%). The latter figure represents an increase of 16% since 2021.” - RNS

Discussion

Some Reflections on Pastoral Burnout

SI Filings

“Burnout in the ministry almost always involves some specific sin(s) in our lives. In my own experience, the major sin involved in ministerial burnout is pride.” - Ref21

Discussion