Bill Simmons thought he was in control - until a child soldier in the Congo held him at gunpoint. In that moment, as the AK-47 clicked into place, Bill realized the terrifying truth: control was an illusion.
Years later, as the CEO of a global nonprofit, he faced a different kind of pressure - leading an organization, carrying the weight of a mission, and pushing through exhaustion.
But this time, the gun wasn’t in someone else’s hands. It was the slow, creeping pressure of burnout, and it was just as dangerous.
In this episode, Bill shares how he went from being a leader on the brink to discovering the power of interruption.
He unpacks why so many pastors and ministry leaders are running on empty, why stepping away feels impossible, and how his sabbatical at a silent monastery changed everything.
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor - it’s a warning sign. If you feel the weight of ministry pressing down on you, this conversation is your lifeline.
Key Takeaways
- Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow fade, and most leaders don’t see it coming until they’re in crisis.
- Control is an illusion. Whether it’s holding onto leadership or refusing to step away, the tighter your grip, the heavier the burden.
- Interruption is a choice - disruption is a consequence. If you don’t make space for rest, your body, mind, or ministry will force the issue.
- A sabbatical isn’t selfish - it’s survival. Leaders who take time to step away don’t weaken their ministries - they strengthen them.
- The church must do better. If you're a board member or elder, don’t wait for your pastor to break - give them space to breathe.
Chapter Markers
- [00:10] - Welcome & Bill Simmons’ Story: From Missionary Kid to CEO
- [03:14] - Held at Gunpoint - What a Child Soldier Taught Me About Control
- [06:25] - The Burnout Epidemic: Why 8.5/10 Leaders Are Near Collapse
- [09:55] - The Moment Everything Broke - And Why Bill Took a Sabbatical
- [14:44] - Shabbat, Ceasing, & The Myth of Rest
- [19:09] - The Power of Pause, Psalm, and Prayer
- [24:59] - Leaders Don’t Have to Manufacture Spiritual Life - Just Make Space
- [28:41] - Interruption vs. Disruption: What Happens When You Ignore the Signs
- [32:11] - How to Sabbath Without Making It Just Another Task
- [36:46] - The Way of Interruption - Bill’s Book & Why It Matters
Take the First Step Toward Rest
The weight of leadership isn’t yours to carry alone.
- Read Bill Simmons’ book, The Way of Interruption, and learn how to embrace spiritual pause before burnout takes over. Order your copy now: Get the book here
- Need help navigating a transition? Whether you're stepping away from ministry or trying to find a healthier rhythm, Pastoral Transitions can help. Visit pastoraltransitions.com to start the conversation.
