The Letters That Led Me from Burnout to Joy

I was a tired pastor, discouraged with my ministry and my Christian life. I needed something that would help, but I didn’t know what that could be. Somehow, I came across a book by another formerly discouraged pastor, and it changed the trajectory of my life and ministry right to today.

Jack Miller served as a pastor and seminary professor. After 20 years of ministry, he felt depressed and burned out. He resigned both positions and spent the next few weeks crying.

Eventually, he realized that his motivation for ministry was wrong. He realized that, instead of being motivated only by God’s glory, he wanted his own personal glory and people's approval. When he repented of his pride and fear of people, his joy in ministry returned. He took back his resignations, and his ministry began to change.

Miller later founded a mission and influenced countless individuals, including the famous New York pastor and author Tim Keller, who credited Jack Miller with teaching him how to "preach grace" and significantly impacting his ministry. Keller stated that Redeemer Presbyterian Church might not have existed without Miller's influence.

As I began to read the book, buried in my own cynicism and doubts, I found myself beginning to come alive again. The book is a compilation of letters that Miller wrote to others, primarily ministry leaders, but I often felt that Miller was writing to me. Sometimes he reminded me of things that I already knew, like the importance of prayer. Other times, he taught me something new, like how the gospel isn’t just how we’re saved, but is the power for everyday life and ministry.

Truth Given in Humility and Love

He was direct in his letters, not afraid to confront when needed, but I could tell he loved the recipients. Because he shared his own struggles, I found my defenses lowered even when he had tough things to say.

I devoured the book, underlining almost every page. Around that time, I asked someone at the church, “Have things changed?” He said, “No, but you have.” God used this book to help me rediscover my joy in God and his gospel and to learn to trust the Spirit’s power again. I began to hope again.

Years later, I still share this book with people. When people find out that it’s my favorite book and the one that changed my life, they’re often surprised because they’ve never heard of it. A couple of years ago, I met someone who’s become a good friend. He shared that this book is also his favorite, and it made me glad to learn that it affected him as profoundly as it did me.

Joy Rediscovered

If you feel discouraged and burned out, you’re not the first. You need someone who’s been there and who can gently but firmly put your feet on solid ground. That’s what this book did for me. Although Jack Miller is now with the Lord, his writings continue to shape people like me who ran out of gas and needed to rediscover their joy and strength in the Lord.