Thirty-seven practical suggestions for easing life in ministry. To prevent clergy burnout, try the following: Breakfast out with your spouse once each week. Put it on the family calendar and make it a permanent, needed getaway (And don’t carry a cell phone with you; the whole point is to get away!). Exchange house keys with another couple. When you and your spouse need a breather, skip town. Stay overnight at your friend’s house. They can have the same privilege as your home. A phone call to the friend prior to landing on the front porch would be helpful. This kind of reciprocity works wonders for all concerned. Organize your weekly responsibilities. Often burnout results simply from haphazard work plans. Start next week’s sermon early enough to prevent a stressful pileup the night before it’s supposed to be delivered. Schedule each day efficiently, so as not to overlap duties. Prioritize your responsibilities; differentiate between majors and minors. Fellowship with clergy of other denominations. These persons cannot harm you ecclesiastically, because they are not of your official …