Is Busy-ness the New Holiness? A Call to Sabbath.
Many in Christian ministry, are facing burnout, some not for the first time. Could our relentless pursuit of delivering quality programs be harming our ability to live life to the fullest? After all, that is what Jesus called us to. Have we forgotten the purpose of Sabbath when God himself modeled it? How we so easily forget the simple things. Are we moving too quickly and too distractedly to connect to either God or our community? As the old saying says… The proof is in the puddling. Christian burnout is endemic.
For those of us who have tasted ministry, we may be all too familiar with cycles of sacrifice. Delivering great programs, leading Bible studies, and organizing events - it's all so important! But what if, in our relentless pursuit of excellence, we're missing something fundamental?
Despite our common silence on the subject, many in Christian ministry, myself included, have experienced burnout, some several times. It’s soul destroying when you realize you’ve been there before, you’ve been through the healing, and you’re broken again. Typically those in ministry pour out their hearts for the work, in the name of love, but somewhere along the way, the well runs dry. Could it be that our focus on "doing" is overshadowing the core of why we do it?
Remember the Sabbath? God told us to, don’t you remember? Even God himself took a day of rest. Was that just an ancient story, surely not, yet boldly and proudly we grind ever harder, breaks get shorter, rest and peace goes out the window. It doesn’t matter what we think, the evidence is prevalent. We’re burning out faster than cheap Christmas tree lights. We skip over the Sabbath commandment, take it lightly, and miss the deep and beautiful message about prioritizing our well-being! Are we so busy doing good things that we forget to simply be with God and with each other? Rest… Such a beautiful thing. So neglected, so forgotten.
The truth is, burnt-out ministers aren't much use to anyone, but we’re making more every day. Perhaps, if I may, it's time for a new sort of reformation. Not a doctrinal one, but a reformation of the heart, our health, and the way we build community.
What does a ministry focused on well-being look like? It means slowing down. It means creating space for deep, personal connection with God. It means building authentic relationships within our communities, not just running programs, not the constant grind to deliver; it means life and life to its fullest.
The answer isn't to abandon our calling. It's about rediscovering the joy and fulfillment that comes from a life lived in balance - connected to God, nourished by rest, and woven into the fabric of a supportive community.
Are you ready to rewrite the story? Let's move from burnout to a ministry that overflows with life and love, one focused on our Lord who knew when to stand in public, sit with friends, and retreat in prayer.
Where do we start? We don’t have to go far. I’m starting with myself. How about you?