Cultivate Ways to Scale Back as Part of Self Care in Ministry

Ministry is not easy. It comes with significant joys and many occasions to share in the blessings of God’s people as they recognize and fulfill their purpose. At the same time, ministry can challenge and test clergy in unexpected ways. Leading God’s church is sacred work and a labor of love that the Lord ordains.

Too often, however, clergy believe that this work must always be done alone, especially when it becomes burdensome. For many in ministry, particularly those called to the pastorate, the lines and boundaries of where ministry and pastoring God’s people begins and ends are often blurry -- if not invisible. When the heart for shepherding a congregation becomes so expansive that it causes ministers to neglect themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, this behavior is a sign of straying from the example set by Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. 

As we appreciate pastors for Pastor Awareness Month and beyond, clergy owe it to themselves, the people they love and care about, and their congregations to cultivate a ministry that allows for self-care practices. Pastors owe it to themselves to understand that their positions do not mean they must do it all.

To preach and teach Matthew 11:28, Hebrews 4:9, and many other texts concerning rest and the benefits of self-care to a congregation requires clergy to live and embody their sermons. It means breaking the dangerous habit of thinking that preaching about miracles of healing and ministering to people somehow makes the preacher impervious to poor health, stress-induced physical ailments, burnout, and depression. Pastors should aim to employ proper self-care routines that address the necessity for adequate sleep and relaxation time, stress-reducing activities, healthy living behaviors, suitable work-life balance, reduced workloads, sabbaticals, and consistent mental health protocols.

Because Jesus is our standard bearer, clergy have no greater champion of self-care in ministry. The Gospels are replete with instances of Jesus Christ creating boundaries and knowing when to scale back his ministry to take care of himself. This is key, clergy have a divine directive to curtail their ministry output to improve their health and well-being if necessary. Our Savior set a sterling example. There were times when Jesus retreated  to go to places of sanctuary and peaceful seclusion when crowds were clamoring for him. A clear work-life balance eradicates the expectations that the pastor is on the clock 24/7/365 days a year.

Similarly, Jesus made use of productive rest. Christ took naps and slept often, and his ministry thrived. The benefits of a good night's sleep are well documented. How effective will your work be if you are consistently up all night trying to do all the tasks that eluded you during the day? Shouldn’t the pastor have a sabbath day of rest if God’s people are afforded a sabbath? Pastors must schedule and prioritize relaxation to restore the energy needed for the work they are called to do.

What Jesus did is instructive for pastors today, particularly considering the debilitating stigma in our churches towards our pastors and clergy who seek mental health services. Christ repeatedly centered prayer in his life and ministry and dealt with his mental well-being. Jesus took time to grieve and reflect, when word of John the Baptist’s death reached him. He also ensured his ministry partners rested, replenished their spirits through prayer, and attended to their physical needs. Congregations should expect nothing less from pastors. When pastors change the narrative of pastoral ministry and scale back their workloads to nurture their physical and mental health, it helps them be more effective in their ministry.

We encourage all pastors to appreciate their well-being by practicing self-care. Remember, for the sake of a truly effective Christ-centered ministry, sometimes less is more.