By Mindy Caliguire, Founder and President, Soul Care
I still remember the first time I hit the wall of burnout. I didn’t see it coming, but my soul was dry, brittle, exhausted, and dangerously close to collapse. It’s one of the reasons Soul Care exists today. And it’s why I’ve dedicated my life to helping leaders reconnect with God, themselves, and others, not when it’s too late, but proactively.
So when the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) recently announced a groundbreaking new Leadership Standard, one that calls organizations to care for the soul health and integrity of their leaders, I couldn’t have been more hopeful.
For years, Soul Care has stood in the quiet but persistent belief that healthy leaders make healthy ministries. That conviction is no longer just a nice idea. It’s becoming the standard.
Burnout among ministry leaders is not new. But today, it’s everywhere. Barna’s latest State of Pastors report notes a staggering increase in emotional, spiritual, and physical exhaustion among church leaders. We are long past the point of polite concern. What’s needed is action, and the ECFA has stepped up.
This new standard is not a checkbox or a new hoop to jump through. It’s a culture shift. As Michael Martin, ECFA’s President, puts it,
“Now is the time for a simple and clear standard... to support leaders and ultimately strengthen the entire organization.”
I’ve had the privilege of walking with ECFA through this process, consulting with their leadership team and offering support as they shaped this vision. This April, I’ll help facilitate their full-day Leader Care Event at the Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes Conference in Dallas. And I can say firsthand, this standard is not just being talked about. It’s being lived.
In essence, the new standard calls for boards to engage with their senior leaders at least annually around their personal integrity and soul health. But it’s not prescriptive or legalistic, it honors the context and culture of each organization while calling everyone to deeper accountability and care.
Craig Groeschel, Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, and Dr. Walter Kim are just a few of the national leaders who have voiced strong support. “This is about more than integrity,” Groeschel said.
“It’s about building a Christ-centered culture where leaders are held in both love and accountability.”
This isn’t a program or a product. It’s a mindset shift. It’s boards and leaders saying, “Your soul matters. Your health matters. And we’re here for the long haul.” And that shift is profoundly biblical. When Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur stood on either side and held up his arms. Leadership was never meant to be a solo endeavor.
That’s why at Soul Care, we’re so excited to come alongside ministries who are ready to live into this new standard. Our LeadWell offering was built for exactly this moment, helping individuals and teams lead from wellness, not just willpower. With assessments, spiritual direction, virtual retreats, and proven frameworks, we’re equipping organizations to turn values into practices.
I believe this new Leadership Standard is one of the most hopeful developments in Christian leadership in decades. And I’m deeply grateful to ECFA for having the courage to act.
If you’re a leader, or serve on a board, this is your moment. Don't wait for burnout to force the conversation. Start it now. Your life, your calling, your soul, it all matters more than you know.
👉 Learn more about ECFA’s Leader Care Standard: ECFA.org/LeaderCare
💡 Explore LeadWell and our leader care offerings: SoulCare.com