Burned Out by Church, but Still Called to Serve

What happens when the most faithful person in the church is secretly running on empty?

Pastor Scott did everything “right”—memorized scripture, served in youth group, even cleaned up after Sunday services. But inside, he was dry, joyless, and disconnected from grace.

Sound familiar?

In our deep dive interview, Pastor Scott shared the moment he realized he had been operating on applause—not anointing. His story is a warning and an encouragement: you can be surrounded by ministry and still miss the heart of God if you’re not rooted in grace.

But God didn’t let go.

Through a season of wandering, frustration, and a prayer (from his now-wife) that led to him getting fired—God was gently rebuilding his heart and restoring him for ministry. He learned that grace isn’t something we earn back through good behavior. It’s something we surrender to when we finally realize we’re not enough.

Today, he equips youth and parents alike not from a platform of perfection—but from a posture of grace.

 • Apply this by asking yourself: Am I parenting or homeschooling from a place of grace or performance? Reflect on how you respond when your child stumbles—and how God responds when you do.

 • Subscribe to The Homeschool Aficionado to keep receiving truth-filled conversations that challenge, equip, and encourage you in your calling.

 • Share this newsletter with a friend who may be secretly burned out—but still trying to do it all.

Scripture: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” —2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)