I have the joy of coaching pastors and church planters from different parts of the country and in many different church contexts. Although their church may vary in location, size, denomination, etc., the constant need and question of most of the pastors that I coach is this: “How do I establish a daily rhythm that will better my health and work performance, while giving more time for my family?”
In most cases, the pastor is either near burnout or is simply depleted of energy due to the demands of daily ministry and church planting.
Here is the reality that I have learned from my own life and in observing the lives of others: Even though one may seek to establish a daily rhythm, each one of us are already living in a daily rhythm. The problem is, our rhythms are not healthy.
So, the daily repetition of unhealthy rhythms lead to fatigue and discouragement, often leading to burn out. Healthy rhythms afford us the time to do what we are called to do, and often restore joy to our lives and ministry by providing time for rest and play with family and friends.
The first step in establishing a healthy daily rhythm is to repent.
That’s right, repent.
Repentance is turning away from our sin (in this case it may be the thought that you are the savior of your church or workplace, slothfulness, addiction to work, etc.) and by God’s grace, turning to Jesus. Repentance is a change in the way we think, and therefore the way we behave. It may be time for you to repent of your unhealthy approach to your day and turn to the grace of Jesus that beckons us to find rest in Him and His finished work.
Here are a few thoughts and bullet points to realizing a healthy daily rhythm.
(Huge disclaimer: I have miserably failed at every point listed below. I too have crashed and burned. By God’s grace, I have been counseled and coached by some amazing pastors and counselors toward healthier living. It is still a struggle for me, but I am finding great joy in honoring God in this way.)
1. Have a good theology of work.
While work is no longer a curse, it is not salvific. Stop trying to save yourself and others by offering yourself on the altar of overwork.
Redeem your work. Worship and glorify God through good, hard work. To be honest, some of us are very busy, but are not really working. Are you honoring God and the trust of your church by putting in a good day of work?
Again, work is not salvific—Jesus is.
Work is not your identity—Jesus is.
2. Sleep!
We need 7-9 hours of sleep per day. We are human! God created us this way. Rest in that—literally.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep depravation can lead to increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, increase in body mass index (a greater likelihood of obesity due to an increased appetite due to sleep depravation), increased risk of diabetes and heart problems, increased risk of psychiatric conditions including depression and substance abuse, and a decreased ability to pay attention and process new information (learn).
Practice the discipline of going to bed at the same time every night and waking at the same time every morning. Going to sleep can be a beautiful expression of one trusting in God to be God while you are sleeping. Trust me, God can handle the night shift without you …
3. Take a day off.
A sabbath day not only expresses your trust in God, it establishes the weekly rhythm that affords a consistent daily rhythm.
A day off gives you 24 hours of uninterrupted family time. Plan it well and spend the time well. It can be a treasured investment in your family.
