As we enter the often busy summer months, here are seven foolproof ways to ensure your summer is anything but restful.
By Lizzy Haseltine
Imagine a summer that’s actually restful.
According to the Greatest Needs of Pastors study from Lifeway Research, nearly half (45%) of U.S. Protestant pastors say they struggle with consistently resting, and more than half (51%) have difficulty with time management.
In a season marked by family vacations and sunshine, pastors often have packed summer schedules and endless ministry opportunities. Consequently, you may already have a long to-do list of what you should do over the next few months. But, if you want to bring intentional change to your worn-out soul, there are some things you shouldn’t do.
The following are seven foolproof ways to ensure your summer is anything but restful.
1. Lie to yourself
“The church needs me.” “I can’t take time off.” “I’m the only one who knows how to do this.” Don’t fall for your own lies. Examine your mindset—and pray over it. Ask God to show you the excuses hindering you from meaningful rest.
Then, surrender to the Holy Spirit, constantly praying to break any lies that continue to berate and guilt you in moments of rest.
As 1 Corinthians 3:18 says, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool so that he can become wise” (CSB).
2. Work all the time
You probably wouldn’t counsel your parishioners to work 24/7 and never take time for themselves or their family. Take some of your own advice. Like them, you have human limitations.
Your ministry shouldn’t dominate the clock. Jesus exemplified man’s need for rest during His time on earth.
“Countless times, after teaching and healing all day, we see Jesus saying: ‘That’s enough. Let’s get in the boat.’ Or He’d say, ‘I’m heading up the mountains alone.’ With plenty left to do, Jesus regularly and humbly honored His human limitations,” writes leadership coach David Loveless. “Most of the leaders I coach are great at working like Jesus (self-sacrifice) but find it hard to give themselves permission to rest like Jesus (self-care).”
Where’s your mountaintop? While it may look more like your back porch on a cool morning or your favorite coffee shop, set aside time with God that’s beyond sermon preparation. Soak in moments talking and listening to your heavenly Father.
3. Always check your phone
While you’re responsible for caring for your congregation, that doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to turn your phone on “Do Not Disturb” during certain hours.
If you’re constantly on your phone, set some boundaries. Whatever calls, messages, or emails you receive, most likely they can wait. Putting away your phone will help you enjoy time off and allow you to be fully present with those around you.
“If the best way to avoid the temptation to check our phones is to get them under someone else’s lock and key (wife or ministry assistant, perhaps), then that’s a step worth taking,” states writer Marty Duren.
4. Be in the pulpit every Sunday
God designed the Sabbath for mankind to rest—including you. Don’t postpone that family vacation again for the sake of filling the pulpit with your usual presence. You may feel indispensable, but there’s likely someone who can step in to take your place one Sunday.
“The church gets more out of me if I take time away,” said Doug Munton, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, Illinois in an interview with Lifeway’s president and CEO, Ben Mandrell.
Take a moment to get away to rejuvenate your spirit. Remember, your family is your ministry, too. It’s vital for you to refocus by spending time with both them and Jesus.
5. Overcommit to your congregation
Are you guilty of saying yes to everything? Between Vacation Bible School, church summer camps, and neighborhood block parties, it can be easy to go into overdrive for the sake of ministry.
Instead of only marking certain dates on the calendar for events or meetings, try also blocking time off for rest, even if it’s just a few hours at a time. This will help you rest in a beautifully chaotic season.
“Instead of only marking certain dates on the calendar for events or meetings, try also blocking time off for rest, even if it’s just a few hours at a time.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on XBesides time blocking, consider other ways to guard your time, whether by limiting your office hours or updating the settings on your phone, as mentioned earlier.
6. Take on everything by yourself
You weren’t meant to carry the weight of pastoring alone. Not only is Jesus walking alongside you—willing and ready to bear your burdens—but He’s established the church to work in fellowship together.
If you aren’t doing so already, delegate appropriate tasks to your staff and deacons. Let so-and-so step up and take leadership sometimes. Honor your staff members’ spiritual gifts by leading them and entrusting them with your congregation.
Don’t trade the beauty of community for the gripe of control. After all, the church really isn’t yours. By sharing your burdens, you’re living out the true meaning of the church.
“Pastors and church leaders, we’re no help to the flock when we’re running on empty,” Mandrell wrote. “Take a Sunday off. Take your rest seriously. The people around you will be so glad you did.”
“Don’t trade the beauty of community for the gripe of control.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X7. Be over-concerned about others’ opinions
It doesn’t matter how far away you go on vacation; you’ll never be able to rid your anxiety and worry if you don’t let go of people pleasing. Your main job isn’t to make sure the carpet stays green or that there are three hymns played during every worship session. You are to point people to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by biblically teaching your congregation about Him and walking in the ways of Jesus.
While this is easier said than done, do your best to replace church-life distractions with prayers for a congregation that loves the Lord wholeheartedly. Trust God will take care of you and your congregation.
As Ben Mandrell wrote, “Faith means we hold to a fierce optimism because God is the author and finisher of our stories. Faith is restful.”
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
Lizzy Haseltine
Lizzy is a content writer for non-profit ministries. For the past five years, she has traveled the world to tell stories of how God is moving.
