What can a day off for ministry leaders accomplish? Consider the benefits of taking a much-needed break from your busy youth ministry schedule.
As early November hit, I realized I hadn’t had a day off for three weeks straight. Between livestreaming worship, regular ministry obligations, and grad school, I was burning the candle at both ends. This was highly unusual for me.
A three-day weekend was approaching, which would be a relief. But a question lingered. “Was this crazy work schedule an exception, or was it becoming the norm?”
Many of my clients have too much on their plate and are trying to unload it. The reality for many ministry leaders is that as the workload increases, time never expands. Whenever someone talks about their exhausting schedule, the first question I ask is, “When is your day off?”
I get a variety of answers. “It fluctuates each week, depending what’s on my schedule.” Or “I work only a few hours on this day and that day, which adds up to like a day off.”
When ministry’s busyness takes over, slowing down can be difficult. But if we never allow ourselves to refuel, burnout is inevitable.
3 Tips for Taking a Day Off for Ministry Leaders
So how is a day off for ministry leaders possible? If you’ve been grinding it out and working nonstop, what can you do? Start with these three areas…
1. You need accountability from people who support you.
First an admission… I used to make the mistake of saying, “Pick a day and stick to it!” But that works only if you feel like you have permission to drop and delegate tasks. You also need people who will check-in with you to make sure you’re resting and taking time away. Ask:
- Your Supervisor/Pastor: They don’t want you to burn out. They might ask a lot of you, but they probably assume you’ve set boundaries to guard your rest. The only way they’ll know you’re working nonstop is if they’re by your side 24/7. Ask them for insight on how they manage their schedule. Then discuss an optimal time you can take off regularly.
- A Colleague or Peer: Talking to a supervisor can be intimidating, so going to a coworker or peer is the next best thing. They can offer advice on how they manage time off and create more margin in their life. And even if you talk to your pastor, it’s also good to have someone who understands ministry speaking into your life.
- Family Members and Friends: These people feel the brunt of your burnout first. They need to be able to call you out because they love you. Going through your schedule with them regularly will remind you of how work can impact your personal life.
Accountability is key to creating safeguards in your ministry. It’s best to have people who will help you focus on what matters most. In addition to accountability…
2. You must address your drive toward working more.
Next ask why you’re working so much. Is it fear of failure? Are you concerned about your reputation? Do you not want to let the team down? No one wants to be a slacker, but no one should work to a point where they’re running on empty. The best place to answer this question is with rest. Go on a retreat with the guidance of a spiritual director, therapist, coach, or trusted friend.
Deep down, something is driving you to do more and not stop. Knowing your motivational drive is essential to being productive and healthy. Take time to pray and reflect on why you’re working so much. Please bring it to your accountability team and discuss it.
You might discover unclear expectations from you or your leadership. The clarity can bring relief so you can ease back and find rest.
