by Angela Lasch
As a group leader, you wear many hats. You are not just a group leader; you also care for your family, possibly still homeschool, and if you are like most homeschool leaders, your group is not your only ministry. Burnout isn’t just a possibility; it will happen eventually.
How do you avoid burnout? Get your priorities in order. No matter what you have going on, an essential foundation for life must be followed. Your relationship with the Lord must be first, then your spouse, children, and all the other ministries (including your homeschool group). If this order becomes out of order, the result will be burnout, frustration, fatigue, and feelings of failure. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Look for practical ways to seek God first. Carve out quiet time with Him, even if it means setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier. Spending that time with the Lord in devotion, reading the Bible, and praying will strengthen you. It is what’s needed to have the energy to serve your family (and families in your group) well. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
After spending time with the Lord, seek to learn how to best care for your family. Do you and your spouse need a date night? If you are still homeschooling, do you have a schedule of when you do school that you keep uninterrupted by keeping your phone on silent? Or better yet, in another room? Are you caring for your home, planning your meals, doing laundry, and keeping your house clean? Making a schedule of when and how this will happen will save your sanity. Once these needs are met, then you focus on your group. Being intentional with your time will actually give you more time to devote to your group because you won’t be thinking of “all the other things you have to do.”
You are not alone on this journey. Utilize the resources you have, especially your fellow group leaders. Take the time to pray with them and for them. Always speak kindly to one another. Remember that you are all struggling with similar things. When problems arise, check your attitude. A kind word goes a long way.
The past three years have been overwhelming for group leaders. If you are like most groups, you have had an influx of new families. The needs associated with larger groups can feel overwhelming for group leaders. Do not forget that the time spent on your homeschool group is a ministry. Whether you are a volunteer or in a paid position, the time you spend with these families helping them to privately home educate their children is a blessing, and you are helping to further the Kingdom of God.
Don’t forget the most essential ingredient to all of this, which is prayer.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Keep your eyes focused on the Lord, seeking His will above all else. Hold onto this precious promise. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
If you are feeling overwhelmed today, please reach out to us. We are available by phone or email. Recently, we sent out postcards welcoming you to the CHEA Support Network. Please hang on to these cards for future reference. We would love to pray with you or answer any questions you might have about running your group.
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
*All Scripture verses are taken from the NKJV