The Significance of Sabbath for a Healthy Church Staff
The significance of Sabbath is often preached, but how often is it practiced, especially among church staff members? Many might hold a belief that rest is certainly good but not necessarily for them due to the seemingly endless flow of ministry tasks. This perspective, though understandable, could lead to burnout and inefficiencies within your ministry team.
> Practicing What We Preach
God, after creation, took a day off. Jesus, amidst the hustle of life-changing miracles, found time to withdraw and rest. If these divine examples favor Sabbath, why then, do many church staff struggle with it? The answer lies within a few common beliefs:
- Fear of Failure: The notion that in our absence, things will fall apart is a common fear among leadership. This fear, though, mostly unfounded, can be a potent driving force against practicing Sabbath.
- The Work Equals Worth Mindset: A dangerous trap lies in defining our value by how much we do rather than recognizing our inherent worth in our identity in Christ.
- The Never-Ending To-Do List: Ministry tasks often behave like a hydra - cut one chore down, and two more crop up in its place. This seemingly unending cycle can deter one from taking a rest.
> Reclaiming Sabbath
To help guard against burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance for your church staff, we have curated four practical steps to reclaiming your Sabbath.
- Schedule and Safeguard Your Sabbath Time: Pick a day of rest and be fiercely protective of this time slot. It should feature prominently in your calendar to remind you that rest is essential.
- Detox Digitally: Our modern lives are heavily entwined with technology. While it offers many benefits, it can also be draining. Encourage staff to unplug during their Sabbath to recharge their mental batteries.
- Engage in Energizing Activities: What invigorates you constitutionally? Is it reading, strolling, napping, or playing with your kids? Engage in what you find life-giving to replenish your spirit.
- Trust God's Control: Convince yourself that the church will not fall apart in your absence. Seeing Sabbath as an act of faith rather than a sign of weakness could go a long way in cultivating this healthy practice.
Remember, a rested you is more fruitful to the church than a burned-out version of you. Encourage staff members to find their rhythm and create a culture of Sabbath-keeping that will sustain long-term ministry health. Finally, don't shy away from seeking help if your church staff struggles with this aspect.
For a deeper dive into the importance and implementation of Sabbath for your church staff, tune into the Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. Keep in mind: Rest is not merely a reward—it’s a requirement for sustainable ministry.
