But, to be honest, I’m burdened for those pastors.
I learned when my boys were young and I was running a business, serving on the city council and on dozens of committees, if I wanted to be successful as a husband, father and business owner, I had to be personally and privately healthy, so I could achieve more publicly.
It was then, for example, running switched from being a fun pastime to a necessary part of my week. I needed and craved the downtime and the exercise. It was then I had to get up early to make sure I had the day’s quiet time to fuel my soul. It was then I became diligent in scheduling my week, so I didn’t miss family activities.
If I could give one piece of advice to pastors, ALL PASTORS, especially during Pastor Appreciation Month, it would be that they take care of themselves personally. Take care of your family, your finances and your emotional health. It’s the only way you can meet the demands of your church.
You may need to share this post with some key leaders you trust in the church. You may want to have a hard conversation and establish some healthier boundaries within the church. Take some time and read Jethro’s advice to Moses. Read Acts 6.
I love you pastors.
I want you around for a while. We need you. You’re doing Kingdom work.
Take care of yourself. If needed, reach out to someone before you crash and burn. God called you to do His work, but the work He called you to do specifically won’t be done (at least by you) if you aren’t here to do it.
During pastor appreciation month (and every month) I’m pulling for you!
This article about pastor appreciation month originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
