If a pastor is not careful, the weight of everyone else’s problems will take precedence over the issues and concerns of his immediate family. I see it frequently among pastors I encounter. There have been seasons of my ministry where this is the case, especially on abnormally stressful days.
I decided years ago when I was a small business owner, serving in an elected office, and on dozens of non-profit boards that my busyness would never detract from my family life on a long-term basis.
Here are 7 ways I attempt to protect my family from the stress of ministry:
Down time.
Saturday for me is a protected day.
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I normally work 6 long (up to 10 hours and more) days a week. (I’m wired to work, and to take a true “Sabbath,” according to Exodus 16:26 at least, it seems one would have to work 6 days…just saying…Ha!)
This also means I agree to do fewer weddings or attend other social events on Saturdays. There are only a few Saturdays a year that I allow this part of my calendar to be interrupted.
Pastors, it doesn’t have to be Saturday for you, but there should be at least one day in your week like this. If you are wired for two…take two!
Cheryl and the boys trump everything on my calendar.
I always interrupt meetings for their phone calls. If they are on my schedule for something we have planned together, it takes precedence over everything and everyone else.
There are always emergencies, but this is extremely rare for me…extremely!
