“I’m tired and I’m broken and I just need some rest.” These were pastor Pete Wilson’s words when he recently announced his surprise resignation from Cross Point, a megachurch in Nashville. He went on:

Leaders who lead on empty don’t lead well, and for some time now I’ve been leading on empty. And so I believe the best thing I can do is to step aside from Cross Point. . . . More than ever I need your prayers, I need your support. We’ve said that this is the church where it’s okay not to be okay, and I’m not okay.

Although situations and statements like this make the headlines, similar stories are being replicated and multiplied all over the country. It’s not just megachurch pastors; it’s not just pastors; and it’s not just men. It’s men and women, young and old, leaders and followers, Christians and non-Christians, in all walks and at all levels of life, who are all arriving at the same wrecking yard — overwhelmed, burned out, empty, and broken.

Although no two burnouts are the same, as I’ve counseled increasing numbers of Christians through burnout, I’ve noticed that most of them have one thing in common: there’s a deficit of grace. It’s not that they don’t believe in grace. Many of them are well-grounded in “the doctrines of grace.” Many of them are pastors and preach grace powerfully every week. The “five solas” and the “five points” are their theological meat and drink. Yet grace is missing in five vital areas. There are five disconnects between theological grace and their daily lives.

Read the rest of the article at DesiringGod.org where I explain:

  • The motivating power of grace
  • The moderating power of grace
  • The multiplying power of grace
  • The releasing power of grace
  • The receiving power of grace
  • Robin McLain

    Dr. Murray, thank you for your ministry. The is one of the best articles I have ever read. I sent it to many! SDG

    • David Murray

      Thanks Robin.