When You’re Leading on Empty (And No One Notices)

God doesn’t expect you to be superhuman.

Hi, I’m Pastor Chris McKinney, and I write Faith Unplugged for anyone who wants to walk with Jesus and live an unplugged life in the world. If this article inspires you, subscribe or consider a one-time gift.

At the beginning of my ministry journey, there were Sundays when I walked through the church doors feeling completely empty.

Not because I stopped loving God. Not because I doubted His Word. Not because I didn’t want to worship with my church family.

But because life happened. I was tired. I was stretched thin. And like so many others, I showed up feeling like I had nothing left to give.

But I learned how to fake it.

I’d tell myself: “Smile. Be strong. Set the tone. Be who they need you to be.”

Maybe you’ve done the same.

There’s this quiet expectation that pastors (or leaders in general) should always be okay. Always upbeat. Always available with a comforting word, a steady hand, and a prayer that wraps someone else’s world back together.

But somewhere along the way, that pressure becomes a mask. And masks are heavy.

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Perfectionism Is a Lie

When I was a kid sitting in the pews of our small church, I genuinely believed pastors were superhuman. They had Bibles in their hands, the Holy Spirit in their veins, and answers for every problem.

I would think, “they certainly don’t stumble…”

Now, after two decades in ministry, I know better.

And yet... I still catch myself slipping into that same mindset. Hiding the struggle and faking the smile.

But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:
When we hide our humanity, we don’t protect our people—we mislead them.

We teach that spiritual leaders aren’t allowed to be broken. We trade authenticity for image. And in doing so, we lose something sacred.

We stop leading from grace… and start leading from performance.

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Even Prophets Burn Out

Remember Elijah?

He had just called down literal fire from heaven in front of all of Israel. A mountaintop moment. A spiritual victory of epic proportions.

And right after? He crashed.

When Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah didn’t rally his courage or call a prayer meeting.

He ran.
He hid.
And he asked God to let him die.

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life.”—1 Kings 19:4

This wasn’t unbelief. This was burnout.

And what does God do?

He doesn’t scold.
He doesn’t say, “Get over it.”
He doesn’t quote a verse or rebuke his lack of faith.

He sends an angel. With bread. With water. With rest.

“Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”—1 Kings 19:7

God didn’t demand more. He gave space to breathe.

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5 Signs You Might Be Leading on Fumes

Burnout doesn’t always scream. It whispers. It hides behind our calendars and our smiles. Here are five common signs:

1. Chronic Exhaustion
   Even rest doesn’t help. You’re not just tired—you’re depleted.

2. Loss of Passion for Ministry
   You’re showing up, but the fire’s gone. Ministry feels like maintenance.

3. Numbness in Prayer and Worship
   You sing. You pray. But it feels like performance, not presence.

4. Increased Irritability or Cynicism
   You’re quicker to snap. The little things feel huge. Your grace has a short fuse.

5. Withdrawal and Isolation
   You avoid people. Not just strangers, your closest circle, too. You call it “space,” but really, it’s protection.

If any of that feels familiar, you’re not alone.

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What’s Feeding the Performance Culture?

It’s not just pressure we put on ourselves—it's also the expectations around us.

• “We didn’t want to burden you, Pastor.”

• “You’re always so strong.”

• “You’re the one with the answers.”

We smile. We nod. We carry it. And sometimes… we break.

Ministry culture often rewards output but overlooks the importance of health. We become public heroes with private hurts.

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What Jesus Modeled Instead

Jesus knew exhaustion. And He modeled rest without shame.

• Mark 6:31 – “Come with Me and rest.”

• John 15 – “Abide in Me.” Not strive. Not scramble. Abide.

• Luke 5:16 – “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray.”

If the Son of God needed solitude and replenishment, what makes us think we don’t?

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What to Do When You’re Running on Empty

Here’s how I’ve begun to refill the tank. Slowly, and intentionally.

1. Confess It to Someone Safe - Find one person you trust and confide in. Say it out loud: “I’m not okay.”

2. Stop the Performance - You don’t need to pretend. Let your inner circle in.

3. Return to the Well - Create space for God to speak. Worship not for output, but intimacy.

4. Rebuild Rhythms - Honor Sabbath. Take a mini retreat. Journal. Breathe.

5. Build a Rule of Life - Craft sustainable rhythms—spiritually, emotionally, and physically, not out of duty, but out of survival.

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To the Leader Who Feels Invisible and Depleted

God sees you.

He’s not waiting for you to snap out of it. He’s inviting you to rest.

You’re not alone.

Thousands of pastors and ministry leaders feel what you feel. We don’t talk about it enough, but it’s real. And it’s not the end.

You’re still called.

But you were never called to carry it alone.

Let this moment be a turning point, not a breakdown.

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💬 Have you ever led on empty?
Drop a comment. Tell me what helped you find your way back. You’ll remind someone else they’re not alone.

🔁 Share this with a pastor or ministry friend.
Even just one line might be the lifeline they need this week.