ECFA’s Leader Care [Free Resources]

Church leaders dedicate their lives to serving others, but who ensures they receive the care and support they need? Burnout, stress, and spiritual fatigue are real challenges that can undermine a leader’s effectiveness and well-being. The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) recently released valuable resources to help churches and church staff recognize the warning signs of burnout and implement proactive strategies for leader care. Below, we explore three key ECFA resources and how they can benefit your church leadership.

1. Seven Leader Care Questions Boards Can Ask

One of the most practical ways to support pastors and church leaders is by asking the right questions. ECFA provides seven essential questions that church boards and leadership teams can use to assess the well-being of their leaders. These questions address:

• Emotional and spiritual health
• Workload balance
• Support systems
• Accountability structures

By regularly engaging in these discussions, church leadership can foster a culture of care and ensure that pastors are not carrying more than they can bear. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” A strong support system is essential for sustained ministry.

2. Five Warning Signs of Leader Burnout

Burnout can creep up silently, but ECFA identifies five key warning signs that every church should be aware of:

1. Emotional exhaustion – Feeling drained, overwhelmed, or numb.
2. Loss of passion – A diminishing sense of purpose or enthusiasm for ministry.
3. Relational withdrawal – Isolating from family, friends, or congregation members.
4. Decreased effectiveness – Struggling to complete tasks or make decisions.
5. Increased irritability or cynicism – Growing frustration or negativity in interactions.

Recognizing these signs early can help prevent long-term damage to a leader’s health and ministry. Churches should proactively encourage rest, sabbaticals, and mental health resources for their pastors. As Jesus Himself took time away to rest and pray (Luke 5:16), church leaders should be encouraged to do the same.

3. A Leader Care Prayer

Caring for leaders is not just about practical support—it is also a spiritual responsibility. ECFA provides a beautiful leader care prayer that churches can use to intercede for their pastors and staff. Praying for protection, wisdom, and renewal strengthens leaders for their calling.

As 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 exhorts, “Acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” One of the best ways to honor and care for church leaders is through consistent, intentional prayer.

Building a Culture of Leader Care in Your Church

Churches thrive when their leaders are healthy—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Consider implementing these steps:

• Schedule regular check-ins with pastors and staff.
• Encourage time for rest, reflection, and renewal.
• Provide mental health resources and professional counseling support.
• Foster a culture of prayer for leaders.

By prioritizing leader care, churches can ensure that those who pour into others are also being poured into. May we commit to caring for our shepherds as they care for God’s flock.