Have you ever thought about what happens to former church officers? After hearing lay leaders say about their term, "I'm glad it's almost over," or "Whew, I made it," or "Never again," I began asking why. I also noticed that a significant number of former church officers became inactive or dropped out of the church.

Recently, Set Apart Lay Leaders, a project aimed at revitalizing church boards, polled more than 600 board members. Nearly a third--29 percent--indicated they left "tired, weary, and burned out." They had come asking for bread and were given a stone.

One board member said, "The last three presidents of the church board in our church have dropped out of activity in the church within six months of their term."

Another said, "We were looking for three new council members and went through 63 names before we heard our third 'yes.'"

What frustrated them about serving on the church board? Here are some comments showing deep frustration:

"How burned out I feel. My last year was my most ...