I am currently in the midst of a thoughtful book by Bill Hybels entitled Simplify.1 My take-away lesson is both simple and priceless: take time to replenish.
One of the greatest dangers for pastors is depletion. So much is required for those involved in ministry—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We can easily find ourselves dangerously depleted like the 12 disciples after their first missionary journey, where they didn’t even have time to eat. To those first followers, and also to us, Jesus says, “ ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while’ ” (Mark 6:31, NKJV). In other words, take some time to rejuvenate.
Hybels discusses five major ways to do this:
- Time alone with God
- Quality family time
- Fulfilling work activities
- Recreation
- Exercise
Time alone with God
It is easy to assume that pastors are always intentional about taking time alone with God. In reality, pastors often get caught in the trap of ministry—so busy serving others that we have little or no personal time at the feet of Jesus. Like Martha, we can become anxious and troubled about many things and neglect that which is most important (Luke 10:38–42). Time alone with God is a wonderful way to be replenished physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Quality family time
During my travels, I hear too many stories of pastoral families in crisis. Pastors often feel dislocated from their families. Many spouses and PKs (children of pastoral families) feel neglected—even abandoned. Unless we build quality family time into our busy schedules, we will shortchange those we love the most. What would your spouse and children say they need the most from you right now? It is probably not money or material possessions. Most pastoral families are craving more quality family time. Taking that time with your family is another way to be refreshed.
Fulfilling work activities
We all have aspects of our work that are depleting. If we had to engage in those activities all the time, we would feel drained. Conversely, there are aspects of our work that replenish us, not only spiritually but even physically and emotionally. What aspects of your ministry are most fulfilling for you? I feel revived when I teach an interactive Bible study for young adults. After filming four programs in one day I am exhausted, but I am also happy and replenished! Find aspects of your work that have a similar effect for you. Do not neglect those activities or delegate them to others. Joyfully embrace work activities that fill your reserves.
Recreation
Someone once told me that pastors do not play well. Then he asked me what I did for recreational activities. I quickly came to the startling realization that recreation was not an intentional part of my daily or weekly schedule. And yet, recreation, by its definition, is an opportunity for re-creation. Bill Hybels discovered a love for sailing, What recreational activity have you built into your weekly schedule that fills your reserves? My wife and I have discovered the joy of composing Scripture songs together. We sing together for our daily worship time and midweek House of Prayer, and we have found that it is a great recreational activity for us.
Exercise
I know you are busy. But if you are too busy to exercise, then you are definitely too busy. You do not have to purchase expensive gym memberships or costly equipment. Just find a way to get moving. My wife and I have made a commitment to walk together. While we walk, we talk and pray together. Sometimes our daily walk involves getting up early or staying up late. When the weather is bad, we walk in a shopping mall or gym. When we are traveling, we walk in the airport. It is part of our daily routine that we really enjoy. It is not just about burning calories—it is about being replenished.
Ministry is difficult. Life is hard. If you do not take care of yourself, you will wither and die in some form or fashion. So, as we come to the end of another busy year of ministry, my appeal to you is simple: Take time to replenish.
1 Bill Hybels, Simplify: Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2014).
