Episode 35: Pastoral Rest

Episode 35: Pastoral Rest

 

SEEKING ADVICE - I'm one month shy of 18 years in pastoral ministry and I still haven't figured out how to adequately balance accessibility and availability. In other words, how do I remain being accessible (especially in the digital age) and respond to all of the messages and comments of my flock and yet also protect my time and my family's time?

 

Issue: We are more available than ever

• Most anyone can send me a message through any number of platforms and expect a response immediately and I feel the pressure to do so.

Issue: Lack of Peace

• Peace doesn’t mean that you will not have problems. Peace means that your problems will not have you.

Issue: Lack of Rest

• We can't serve tired

Practical suggestions:

• Remember the Sabbath - Jesus said the sabbath was for people not people for the sabbath  
  • Sabbath doesn't always mean a nap or worship service
  • Do something different - people who do mostly cerebral (mind)work - do physical activity or the opposite.  
  • Be still and know that I am God - and you're not
  • Travel and learn and be thankful.

• Learn to focus on the what you can control
  • My runner who was really frustrated by not being able to finish...talked about the science of what was going on; just had to control one thing.
  • Be all in while you are at home

• Disconnect as much as possible.  
  • Leave your cell phone; put down the computer.
  • give your family your best

• Equip others to help you
  • there are people who can help been call
  • church can get a cell phone account for emergencies; share that phone.

• Recognize some calls can wait
  • is it a real emergency
  • Voicemail is a good thing - let some calls go to voicemail