There are two kinds of pastors.
The first says,
“Ministry is just crazy right now.”
The second says,
“Ministry is crazy. So I need tighter rhythms.”
Same chaos.
Different control.
That difference has a name: locus of control.
And it may be the line between faithful endurance and slow-motion burnout.
What Is “Locus of Control”?
The term was introduced in the 1950s by psychologist Julian Rotter.
It simply refers to where a person believes control resides in their life.
- Internal locus of control: I influence outcomes through my actions.
- External locus of control: Outcomes are mostly determined by outside forces.
That’s it.
It answers the question:
“Who is primarily responsible for what happens to me?”
This isn’t about denying reality.
Bad things happen.
Church members do crazy things.
Budgets shrink.
Technology crashes during the livestream (right before your best illustration).
The question is not: Are there external forces?
The question is: Where do you primarily place responsibility?
It's the difference between victim and steward.
How It Affects People
Research consistently shows...
People with a strong internal locus tend to:
- Take initiative
- Persist longer
- Experience less chronic stress
- Recover from setbacks faster
People with a strong external locus tend to:
- Feel powerless
- Blame circumstances
- Experience higher stress
- Burn out sooner
Why?
Because chronic stress isn’t just about workload.
It’s about perceived lack of control.
If your nervous system believes you have no agency, it stays on high alert. High alert for years equals exhaustion.
Where This Gets Theologically Confusing
Pastors live in a sovereignty-saturated world.
We preach:
- God ordains outcomes.
- God builds the church.
- God gives the growth.
- God opens hearts.
All true.
But somewhere along the way, some pastors subtly shift from:
“God controls outcomes.”
to
“Therefore, my inputs don’t matter much.”
That shift is fatalism.
And it often hides behind very spiritual language...
“I’m just trusting the Lord.”
Translation: I haven’t exercised in 14 months.
“I’m leaving it in God’s hands.”
Translation: My calendar is running me.
“I can’t help it. Ministry is unpredictable.”
Translation: I have zero boundaries and check email at 11:47 p.m.
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
Translation: I said yes to 14 things this week and now I'm surviving on spite and cold coffee.
The Pastor With an External Locus
Here’s how it sounds:
- “There’s no time to work out.”
- “Pastors just burn out.”
- “I can’t control my schedule.”
- “That’s just how church life is.”
Over time, this produces:
- Weight gain
- Sleep loss
- Cynicism
- Low-grade resentment
- Compassion fatigue
- Referring to coffee as 'liquid coping mechanism'
And eventually, a sermon series on joy delivered by a man who hasn’t felt it in months.
(While the worship team plays 'Good Good Father' for the 17th consecutive Sunday.)
Not because he doesn’t love Jesus.
Because he feels powerless.
The Pastor With a Healthy Internal Locus
This pastor still believes in sovereignty.
But he distinguishes categories.
God controls:
- Outcomes
- Salvation
- Growth
- Timing
Pastor controls:
- Bedtime
- Workout schedule
- Deep work blocks
- Phone boundaries
- Meal choices
- Planning rhythms
He says:
“I can’t control who leaves the church.
But I can control whether I scroll at midnight.”
“I can’t control the offering.
But I can control whether I train my body.”
“I can’t control revival.
But I can control preparation.”
That shift changes everything.
Burnout Math
Burnout Risk = High Demands – Low Control
Ministry always has high demands.
If perceived control stays low, burnout probability skyrockets.
If agency increases, stress becomes sustainable.
Same calling.
Different durability.
The Line Between Faith and Fatalism
Fatalism says:
“God is sovereign, so I’m mostly along for the ride.”
Faith says:
“God is sovereign, so my obedience matters deeply.”
Fatalism drifts.
Faith disciplines.
Fatalism spiritualizes neglect.
Faith practices stewardship.
Scripture is clear:
- Stewards are required to be faithful.
- Paul disciplined his body.
- Plans of the diligent lead to abundance.
- We work out what God works in.
It doesn’t replace it.
Where This Hits Home
If your energy is low…
If your productivity feels chaotic…
If your health is slipping…
If your calendar feels like a runaway train…
If you're using "busy season" to describe the last 18 months…
The issue may not be time.
It may be locus.
You have more control than you think.
Not over outcomes.
Over inputs.
And inputs compound.
Ten years of disciplined inputs produce a radically different pastor than ten years of drift.
The Healthy Posture
The optimized pastor holds both truths:
God is sovereign.
I am responsible.
He trusts fully.
He disciplines intentionally.
He prays for revival.
He also goes to bed on time.
He preaches surrender.
He also governs his schedule.
That is not self-reliance.
That is stewardship.
And stewardship is not optional.
It’s required.
The line between faith and fatalism is thin.
Choose the side that builds a 30-year ministry...
Not the side that blames sovereignty for your mid-section.
More Resources To Help You Optimize
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