“ … that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
Like everyone else on the planet, we preachers get in ruts.
That’s not all bad, because sometimes we need to put it on automatic and not to have to make critical decisions about mundane things. The morning ritual of showering and dressing, the drive to the office and such should not require our undivided attention.
But from time to time, we need some variety.
Our outlook needs refreshing. Our output needs sharpening. Our spirits need an uplift. Our days could use a new perspective.
Here are some quick fix-its for the pastor’s mental health …
1. The pastor should sometimes vary his schedule.
And yes, this may include the routine things: shower at night, take a different route to the office, eat something different for breakfast.
2. The pastor should cross denominational lines and meet ministers outside his usual circle.
(I’m assuming the pastor is already well-acquainted with those in his denominational group.)
The church down the street or across town has just welcomed a new minister. Call and see if you can take him to lunch, or at least just drop by to say hello. Try nothing heavy here; just make a friendly visit. See if the Lord has something for you and that minister in the relationship.
Some of the finest friendships a pastor can ever have are with colleagues doing the same work for Christ but in different settings.
3. He should attend a conference where he knows none of the speakers.
The first time I did this, I drove 500 miles for the experience. I had seen the conference advertised in a national Christian weekly.
That was decades ago, but it remains fresh in my memory for a hundred reasons.
4. He should make arrangements to take an extended vacation of at least three weeks.
People who study these things say an overworked person will take three days to gear down to rest on a vacation, and will begin cranking up the internal engine three days before returning to work. If the vacation lasts one week, you have exactly one day of rest.
Several times over four-plus decades of ministry, we worked things out with the churches to take extended vacations. They were like gifts from Heaven.
(The pastor who says his church cannot do without him for three weeks is living in a dream world. They got along without you before they met you, and will do so when God calls you away.)
