A Common Story
It starts with a calling—a deep, undeniable pull to serve. You step into ministry with passion, eager to pour into others, to shepherd, to build. At first, the work is fulfilling, even exciting. But over time, the weight of expectations, the endless needs, and the quiet sacrifices begin to take their toll.
I’ve seen it time and time again. A leader who once radiated joy now carries exhaustion in their eyes and tension in their bones. An elder who once spoke with conviction now struggles to find words at all. They pour themselves out, neglecting their own souls, convinced that rest is a luxury—secondary to the mission. But one day, the weight becomes too much. Resentment creeps in, bitterness takes root, and burnout consumes what’s left. By the time they realize they are running on empty, they can’t even find the words to name their pain, let alone the strength to ask for help.
All they can ask for is a way out.
Asian American ministry leaders often bear an immense weight of responsibility, shaped by both underlying Confucian philosophy and the Protestant Work Ethic. From an early age, many of us have been taught that hard work, duty, and sacrifice are marks of honor and success. In ministry, cultural worldviews and values can deepen our commitment to serving God and our communities—but they can also lead to unhealthy patterns of overwork, burnout, and neglecting our own souls.
Yet, God does not call us to be heroes or martyrs for our churches, communities, or families. He calls us to be faithful stewards—not just of our ministries, but of our very selves. Rest, renewal, and Sabbath are not luxuries; they are acts of obedience.
The Cultural and Theological Pressures Toward Overwork
As an American born to refugee parents, my worldview is shaped by a blend of cultural influences and life experiences. Whether we recognize it or not, many of us similarly carry the impact of both our Asian heritage and Western contexts. I believe that two key factors that shape our perspectives on work ethic and sacrifice are rooted in Confucianism and the Protestant Work Ethic.
Confucianism, which has deeply shaped many Asian cultures, emphasizes:
- Filial piety (孝, xiào) – Honor and duty toward family and elders.
- Collectivism – Prioritizing the well-being of the group over individual needs.
- Moral leadership (君子, junzi) – A virtuous leader leads through self-discipline, wisdom, and personal sacrifice.
In ministry, these values often manifest in a deep sense of obligation to our congregations, which we consider family. We view our role as one of selfless service, where we prioritize the needs of others over our own. This sense of duty can lead us to believe that it is virtuous to ensure every task is completed, with an even greater sense of fulfillment when we sacrifice our own well-being for the sake of the work.
Layered on top of this is the Protestant Work Ethic, which teaches that:
- Hard work and diligence are signs of faithfulness.
- Success (even in ministry) is tied to effort and perseverance.
- Rest can feel like laziness or unfaithfulness.
The combination of these two cultural worldviews create a powerful and often invisible force in Asian American ministry: the belief that our worth is tied to our work—that resting equates to letting others down, or even worse, failing God. One of the most severe accusations someone could make against me is laziness or unfaithfulness.
But Jesus calls us into a different way of living and leading.
The Theology of Rest: A Biblical Call to Sabbath and Renewal
Throughout his ministry, Jesus was never in a hurry. He took time away to pray, retreat, and be with the Father (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). He was a “contemplative in action,” allowing his identity to be formed by God, not by the crowds or the work. He invited the weary to find rest in Him, not in their own efforts (Matthew 11:28-30). This call to model Jesus in the way he actively rested can conflict with a Confucian and work-driven culture in which rest can feel irresponsible and lazy. However, God commanded Sabbath as a rhythm of trust—that He sustains His people, not their labor (Exodus 20:8-11). In a culture that emphasizes production, practicing Sabbath is a countercultural act of faith, resisting the idea that our worth is based on what we produce (Deuteronomy 5:12-15).
Just as we faithfully care for the congregations and ministries entrusted to us, we must also tend to the sacred gift of our own souls.
“For what does it profit a person to gain the whole world and forfeit their soul?” In Mark 8:36 and similarly in Matthew 16:26, Jesus urges His followers to prioritize their spiritual lives and relationship with God over the pursuit of worldly possessions and achievements. Similarly, I would argue that God’s priority is for our souls over the work of the ministry.
Burnout is not faithfulness—it’s a sign that we are carrying burdens God never asked us to carry.
Practical Steps Toward Sustainable Ministry
Individuals, and particularly those who are leaders, who have the opportunity to define culture may benefit from the following practical considerations to build a sustainable life in ministry.
1. Normalize Rest in Leadership Culture
- Talk openly about soul care, boundaries, and healthy rhythms in leadership circles.
- Challenge the idea that overwork equals faithfulness.
- Practice rest and renewal together as a leadership team.
- Be open to scaling back or simplifying work that may not be essential.
- Approach our activities and events with curiosity – don’t assume we should continue them just because we have always done them.
2. Schedule Unapologetic Sabbath
- Set aside regular, non-negotiable time for rest and renewal.
- This includes solitude, prayer, and non-ministry activities (yes, hobbies matter!).
- Implement quarterly rest weekends for ministry staff. Church staff rarely have Sundays off, which means their families are also without time to rest. Allowing staff the opportunity to take a weekend off with no Sunday responsibilities allows them to recharge with their families. While it requires some logistical planning, this can be achieved by rotating rest weekends for staff members each quarter.
3. Seek Spiritual Direction, Therapy, or Retreat Spaces
- Meeting with a Spiritual Director can help refocus your attention on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bringing your soul back into communion with God.
- Seeking support from a trained therapist or counselor can provide valuable guidance through mental health challenges and complex relational dynamics. As pastors and ministry leaders, we often experience secondary trauma—also known as compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma—due to our exposure to the struggles and traumatic experiences of those we serve..
- Retreat spaces offer a quiet environment for slowing down, resting, and engaging in deeper personal or communal reflection.
4. Redefine Success in Ministry
- Faithfulness is not measured by exhaustion but by abiding in Christ (John 15:5).
- A healthy leader is a greater gift to the community than a burnt-out one.
A Call to Lead Differently
Asian American ministry leaders carry a unique and sacred calling, but we must reject the false belief that faithfulness means constant sacrifice and self-neglect.
Jesus calls us to a lighter yoke—one rooted in grace, rest, and trust in God’s provision.
The question is not, “How much more can I do?” but, “Am I abiding in Christ?”
What is one small step you can take toward soul care this week? What might be restful or renewing for your soul?
Photo Credit: Nandha Kumar