Real talk: I used to think running on empty was a badge of honor. You know what I mean – that crazy pride we take in being the first one in, last one out, answering emails at midnight while binge-watching Netflix just to feel like we’re “keeping up.” Been there, done that, got the burnout t-shirt.
But here’s the thing – God didn’t design us to be spiritual Red Bulls, constantly buzzing around on spiritual caffeine until we crash. He actually built rest into the operating system of creation. (Mind-blowing, right?) So, let’s get real about creating some rhythms that’ll help you not just survive but actually thrive this year.
Boundaries Aren’t Just for Your Neighbor’s Dog
Let’s talk boundaries. Not the white picket fence kind, but the “sorry, I won’t be checking Slack after 6 PM” kind. Here’s the raw truth: every “yes” you say is actually saying “no” to something else. That “quick” Wednesday night meeting? You just said “no” to family dinner. That “it’ll just take a minute” phone call during your day off? You just said “no” to rest.
Listen, your ministry isn’t going to fall apart if you’re not available 24/7. Jesus managed to change the world in three years while still taking time to eat, sleep, and hang with friends. Pretty sure we can follow His lead.
Margin: It’s Not Just for Your Bible Pages
Remember when you used to have time to actually read those books on your shelf? Or have a conversation with your spouse that wasn’t about church business? That’s margin, friends, and we need it like we need oxygen.
Here’s what I started doing: I block out “margin moments” in my calendar like they’re non-negotiable meetings. Because guess what? They are. Two hours every Monday morning? That’s my “think tank” time. Saturdays? Family time, no exceptions. And you know what happened? The world didn’t end. Actually, my ministry got better because I had time to process, pray, and actually hear from God.
Sermon Planning: Because Winging It Isn’t a Spiritual Gift
Let me shoot straight with you: planning your sermon series in advance isn’t lacking faith – it’s good stewardship. I used to think the Holy Spirit only worked in last-minute inspiration (usually around 11 PM Saturday night). Turns out, He’s pretty good at planning ahead too.
Get this: when you plan your series in advance, you’re not just helping yourself. Your worship team can plan better. Your graphics people aren’t having nervous breakdowns. And bonus: your family actually gets to see you on Saturdays!
Rest: It’s Not Just for the Weak (Plot Twist: It’s for the Wise)
Here’s a truth bomb: rest isn’t a reward for finishing your work – it’s the fuel for doing it well. God didn’t rest on the seventh day because He was tired. He did it to show us how this whole life thing is supposed to work.
Start small. Maybe it’s a real lunch break (eating over your keyboard while answering emails doesn’t count). Maybe it’s actually taking your day off. Or – and this is radical – maybe it’s planning your vacation dates for the whole year right now. (Pro tip: if you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen.)
Family Time: Your Most Important Small Group
Last but definitely not least, your family isn’t your ministry’s support staff. They’re your first ministry, period. Full stop. End of discussion.
Here’s what changed the game for me: I started treating family commitments like I treat my most important church meetings. My kid’s soccer game? That’s as important as a board meeting. Date night with my spouse? That’s as crucial as a staff meeting.
The Bottom Line
Listen, friends – ministry is a marathon, not a sprint. And if we’re going to finish well, we need rhythms that actually work. This year, let’s commit to leading from a place of rest rather than running on fumes. Let’s model what it looks like to trust God enough to actually stop working sometimes. Because let’s be real: you can’t help others thrive when you’re barely surviving yourself.
Your church needs you at your best. Your family needs you present. And God? Well, He already showed us how this should work. Maybe it’s time we actually believed Him.
Now, who’s ready to actually enjoy ministry this year?
