Originally written for ECFA’s Knowledge Center. Shared here with permission.
By Mindy Caliguire, Founder & President of Soul Care
Ministry burnout doesn’t usually show up as a dramatic collapse. More often, it creeps in quietly.
Pastors still preach. Nonprofit executives still respond to emails. Leaders keep showing up, on Sundays, in meetings, on Zoom calls. But inside, many are unraveling.
And too often, boards don’t see it. Or if they do, they feel unsure of how, or whether to step in.
That’s why ECFA’s new Excellence in Leader Care Standard is so timely. For the first time, it formally calls boards to intentionally engage in the holistic care of their top leader. This isn’t just a cultural shift—it’s a spiritual one. It acknowledges the heavy loads leaders carry and the essential need for proactive care.
As a board member, you’re not responsible to provide all the care, but you are responsible to ensure it’s happening. And burnout is a sure sign that it’s not.
Early Detection, Early Cure
I still remember the first persuasive speech I gave, it was during college at Cornell. My father, a cancer researcher, suggested my topic: “Early Detection, Early Cure.” His point was clear, catch something early, and it’s treatable. Wait too long, and the damage may be irreversible.
The same is true for the soul.
Most burnout can be addressed before it escalates. Leaders don’t usually flame out because they’re careless, unqualified, or unspiritual. It often happens because no one noticed, or responded, when the early signs were quietly screaming for attention.
Here are five ways church and ministry boards can help prevent that outcome.
1. See the Warning Signs, And Don’t Look Away
From our burnout assessment tools at Soul Care, we’ve identified common early signs of soul depletion:
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The leader begins to isolate; skipping gatherings or becoming harder to reach.
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Passion fades; they seem disengaged or numb.
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Decision-making becomes reactive or avoidant.
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Communication falters; they stop initiating with staff, volunteers, or partners.
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Cynicism increases; humor becomes biting, hope harder to access.
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Emotional volatility, or flatness, replaces steadiness.
You may not see everything happening inside your leader, but if you’re paying attention, you’ll likely notice something. Ask yourself and others: “Are we seeing changes that warrant a conversation?”
2. Ask Soul-Level Questions, Not Just Performance Metrics
Boards often ask, “How’s the organization doing?” But how often do we ask, “How’s your soul?”
Brave boards create space for these deeper conversations. At least once a year, set time aside to check in with your leader—not just on goals, but on life.
Try asking:
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What’s giving you life right now?
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Where are you feeling most drained?
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Who’s pastoring you?
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Are there any areas where you feel like you’re pretending?
You can find more ideas in ECFA’s “7 Leader Care Questions Boards Can Ask.” But remember, this isn’t a performance review. It’s a human one.
3. Normalize Rest and Recovery Rhythms
If your organization has never offered a sabbatical, solitude day, or structured retreat for its leader, now is the time.
Burnout thrives in cultures with no off switch. Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.
Budget for it. Normalize it. Model it. Soul-restoring rhythms like sabbaticals or silent retreats can make the difference between longevity and collapse.
When boards prioritize rest, it sends a message: your leader’s soul matters—not just their output.
4. Build a Culture of Honest Accountability and Encouragement
The most dangerous place for a burned-out leader is alone.
Encourage your senior leader to build trusted relationships with spiritual directors, therapists, coaches, or peer cohorts, and support that pursuit financially if possible.
But also: be a safe place for honesty.
Ask how they’re really doing. Encourage without agenda. Let your board meetings reflect care, not just oversight.
5. Invest in Soul Care as a Strategic Priority
At Soul Care, we believe soul health drives everything. A flourishing leader leads a flourishing ministry.
If you’re not already investing in this area, here are some next steps to consider:
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Offer Soul Care’s Soul Health Assessment to surface what’s hidden.
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Provide a burnout recovery track with clear pathways to rest and restoration.
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Build soul care rhythms into your leader’s job description.
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Set aside budget for spiritual direction, retreats, or coaching.
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Use our free Confronting Burnout Course to identify next steps and signs to watch for.
Burnout Is Treatable, But Only If You Show Up Early
You don’t need to wait for a resignation letter or a moral failure.
You don’t need to wait until everything falls apart.
Boards have the opportunity to lead with wisdom, empathy, and intentionality—before the damage becomes permanent.
The future of your ministry doesn’t just rest on spreadsheets or strategy. It rests, in many ways, on the soul of your leader.
Will you care for them, not just as a role, but as a person?
Because when boards lead with soul, leaders can flourish again.