Jesus speaks directly to the tired and burdened in spirit. He gives deep rest, which
transcends vacations or short breaks. This is not a superficial solution. Leadership shifts to a new posture that transitions from striving efforts to abiding with presence while letting go of pressure. As a church body, we need to understand what it means to answer this invitation.
The first step involves making rest into a spiritual discipline while turning ministry responsibilities into communal duties.[5] Religious discipline exceeds vacation and temporary relief because it brings about spiritual restoration. The spiritual practices of Sabbath rest, prayer retreats, and spiritual formation are crucial for spiritual survival. Jesus Himself modeled this lifestyle. The church needs to establish specific rhythms that make pastoring rest an integral part of our church culture.
This could include:
Therefore, ministries should promote mental well-being sessions and designated breaks from ministry responsibilities.
The first step involves making rest into a spiritual discipline while turning ministry responsibilities into communal duties.[5] Religious discipline exceeds vacation and temporary relief because it brings about spiritual restoration. The spiritual practices of Sabbath rest, prayer retreats, and spiritual formation are crucial for spiritual survival. Jesus Himself modeled this lifestyle. The church needs to establish specific rhythms that make pastoring rest an integral part of our church culture.
This could include:
- Quarterly personal retreat days for pastors
- A “Sabbath month” after every 5 years of service
- A reduced preaching schedule with a preaching team model
Therefore, ministries should promote mental well-being sessions and designated breaks from ministry responsibilities.
