How can weary church leaders live into God’s design for flourishing? Laura Heikes challenges church leaders to resist the culture of busyness and embrace the life-giving rhythm of Sabbath. While our society may glorify overwork, ministry flourishes when leaders model God’s balance of work and rest. Here are practical ways to start living into this sacred rhythm.
Church leaders might talk about Sabbath, but how many practice it? At a recent meeting of 100 faith leaders, only three raised their hands when asked if they faithfully took a day of rest. Looking around, the convenor said quietly, “I learned how to kill myself for profit in business. How can I ever learn about God’s rest if my faith leaders don’t model it?”
Resisting workaholism isn’t just about self-care—it’s about living into God’s design for flourishing. Here are four practical ways to find the work/rest rhythm God created us for:
1. Teach and talk about Sabbath.
Our society is obsessed with work. It’s the “god” that provides meaning, purpose, and identity to many. But we are called to a different pattern—one of purposeful work and intentional rest.
- Teach about Sabbath through sermon series and Bible studies. Focus on the gift of rest woven into the rhythm of creation (Genesis 2:1-3) or Jesus’ invitation to his disciples to come rest after a period of intense ministry (Mark 6:31). Teach about the time Elijah felt burned out and fled, only to encounter God’s invitation to eat, sleep, and meet him on Mt. Horeb (1 Kings 19:1-18). Or how God helped the Israelites learn to rest through the gift of double manna the day before the Sabbath (Exodus 16:22-30).
- Talk about Sabbath and rest in everyday conversations. Normalize asking one another how well you’ve been honoring rest. Ask your pastor when their Sabbath day is and what they did. Spread the word so others in the church can work together to help them honor it. Provide encouragement and gentle accountability. Share stories of refreshment and rest (not just work and service) in conversation, newsletters, and other church publications.
2. Model rest.
If leaders don’t model rest, how can they expect others to believe it matters? In the story of creation (Genesis 1-2:3), God models the life-giving vitality of work and rest in balance. Church leaders can and should teach the same way, with their example.
- Establish clear boundaries between work and rest. Ask staff to avoid checking email or work platforms like Slack or Teams after hours, on weekends, and especially on Sabbaths. Use scheduling tools to send messages at reasonable times. Sending emails late at night or early in the morning can unintentionally create an expectation that others do the same. Some pastors and leaders even add notes in their signature lines like “Friday is my day of rest. I will return emails when I am in the office on Monday.”
- If you rest on a day other than Sundays, as church leaders must, find ways to ensure the congregation knows what day program staff and pastors will be resting. Some churches choose to set Sunday-Thursday office hours to help facilitate and model rest. On the day of rest, leaders can set an example by not coming into work or answering emails. Avoid scheduling meetings or events on that day, too, unless it is an emergency.
3. Move meetings to one night a week.
One church I served had a meeting almost every night of the week. It was exhausting for staff and laity alike! Meetings can be vital, but so is time spent at the park, with friends, or enjoying a quiet evening at home. To honor both work and rest, streamline your meeting schedule:
- Consolidate all meetings into one night of the week. You might provide a simple meal and open with a reflection or prayer. You could end the meeting with a short service activity like making sandwiches for the unhoused, sorting at your food pantry, or writing notes for those hospitalized or home bound.
- Simplify your structure by combining committees or boards that frequently overlap. This reduces redundancy and fosters collaboration. Many churches report that having a “Simplified” Board structure has freed up hours of time and made administration more effective.
- For smaller congregations, consider a monthly leadership night where all key groups meet sequentially. This approach frees other evenings for rest and relationships. A midweek gathering that integrates meetings, Bible study, food, and even service opportunities can create a sense of community while respecting the need for rest.
4. Allow laity to shine.
We’re the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), so why do some leaders act as if everything depends on just one body part? Every member has gifts to offer. When leaders rest, it creates space for others to step into their callings and bring their gifts forward.
- Pastors, invite laity to shadow you during hospital visits, outreach events, food pantries, and Bible studies. Not only will you be getting to know your people but equipping them for ministry. Then, when you are sick, on vacation, or just taking a day of rest, the ministry will continue!
- Laity, identify “ministry buddies” or co-leaders to work with and gather a team. Jesus sent people out in twos (Luke 10:1). We work best when we have a partner (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10), and it ensures the ministry will continue even if a key leader has to step back.
- All, regularly invite laypeople to speak, lead, teach, and serve in ways that showcase their unique talents. Trust God to work through the entire body of Christ. Empower others to step forward by inviting them along. The result is a healthier, more vibrant community where everyone flourishes, and rest doesn’t shutter vital ministry.
Resisting workaholism requires intentionality and courage, but it’s worth the effort. By teaching and modeling God’s rhythm of work and rest, consolidating schedules, and empowering others, we create space for ourselves and our communities to experience the life-giving rest God desires for all of us. Start small, but start today.
Related Resources
- Improve Your Time Management and Enhance Your Ministry featuring Nicole Reilley — Watch the Leading Ideas Talks podcast video | Listen to the podcast audio version | Read the in-depth interview
- From Weary to Wholehearted: Overcoming Ministry Burnout featuring Callie Swanlund — Watch the Leading Ideas Talks podcast video | Listen to the podcast audio version | Read the in-depth interview
- Build Resilience. Reduce Burnout. by Diane Owen
- 4 Practices to Help Prevent Clergy Burnout by Matt Bloom and Kim Bloom
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