In the world of church growth and mission, there’s one critical factor we often overlook: the health of the preacher. Yes, the person on the stage week after week, delivering sermons, guiding the flock, and carrying the weight of spiritual leadership.

I haven’t expounded on any Breaking Barriers podcast episodes yet here on the blog, but our latest podcast is especially close to my heart. In this episode, I shared some thoughts about the challenges and solutions for us as preachers when it comes to physical and emotional health. Let’s dig in.

The Reality of Preaching

Preaching isn’t just spiritual work; it’s physically and mentally taxing. Many pastors are shocked by the physical toll of our calling: the weariness that comes from the constant outpouring of energy, the late nights of sermon prep, the adrenaline of Sunday mornings, and the spiritual warfare that inevitably follows.

I’ve seen this firsthand in my own life. It’s easy to assume that preaching is just about sharing ideas or preparing a well-crafted talk. But anyone who’s been in the pulpit knows it’s much more. Preaching is an act of spiritual battle—it’s a collision of ideas, emotions, and spiritual forces that takes everything we’ve got.

The Challenge We Face

So, how do we, as preachers and leaders, steward our health in a role that never really shuts off?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Physical Health: Preaching is an athletic activity. It demands stamina. Taking care of my body through rest, exercise, and nutrition isn’t optional; it’s essential for longevity and effectiveness. Even 30 minutes of exercise or a brisk walk can reset my energy and help clear my mind.
  • Emotional Health: As a preacher, I carry the emotional burdens of our entire church. The joys and sorrows of our people become my own. If I don’t learn to process those burdens—through prayer, mentorship, or professional counseling—they’ll weigh me down and eventually lead to burnout.
  • Spiritual Health: Most importantly, I’m on the front lines of spiritual warfare. The enemy loves to attack the one who’s proclaiming the gospel most visibly. I need to remember that our enemy is real, and I must armor up daily through prayer, Scripture, and accountability.

A Personal Reflection

I remember one particular season early in ministry when I was running on empty. I was preaching every weekend, leading multiple meetings, and juggling family life. My diet consisted of quick meals eaten on the go, and my sleep was short and restless. Spiritually, I was still in the Word, but it felt like I was studying just for others and never for my own soul.

It wasn’t sustainable. I ended up exhausted, emotionally numb, and wondering how long I could keep going. That experience taught me an important lesson: taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. When I’m healthy, I preach from overflow, not from fumes. And when I’m healthy, our church benefits too.

The Path Forward

I’ve learned not to be shocked by the challenges of preaching but to be proactive. I want to name the challenges and lean into healthy rhythms—both for myself and for the church I lead.

Here are three questions I’m constantly asking myself:

  1. Am I prioritizing physical health in my weekly routine? Am I moving my body, eating well, and getting enough sleep to fuel the mission?
  2. Do I have safe people to talk to when I’m feeling the weight? Isolation is the enemy’s playground. I need friends and mentors who will listen, pray, and speak truth.
  3. Am I remembering that spiritual attacks are real and equipping myself with prayer and accountability? Spiritual health is non-negotiable in this calling.

A Gospel-Rooted Reminder

At the end of the day, even the most disciplined preacher can’t do this alone. I lean on Jesus, who has already won the ultimate battle, and I trust him to give me strength in every season. He’s the one who refreshes the weary soul and carries me when I can’t carry myself. If you’re a preacher or leader feeling drained today, remember that you’re not alone. Jesus sees you, and he invites you to come to him for rest.

Take Action: Your Health Matters

Here’s what I’m reminding myself of today—and maybe it’s what you need to hear too:

  • Schedule time this week to care for your body. Even 30 minutes can make a difference.
  • Text a trusted friend or mentor and let them know how you’re really doing.
  • Pray for spiritual protection and lean on God’s strength.

The mission matters too much for us to burn out. Let’s take care of ourselves so we can keep going and keep growing. If you’d like to talk more about this or share how you’re prioritizing health in your own ministry, feel free to reach out to me directly. I’d love to connect and encourage you as you pursue health and faithfulness in this calling.

And checkout the full Lead Pastor Health podcast here:

Andrew Hopper