TAKE CARE OF THE PASTOR, SO THAT GOD’S CHURCH MAY THRIVE: The Demands of Ministry: vs. Sabbath Rest
During the Summer months, Congregations take family vacations, find time to relax on a beach, a lake or perhaps a pool. Children are registered for camps or spending time with grandparents or other relatives. There are some who sneak away and enjoy backyard grilling with their neighbors and friends, as a few members find a way to connect with colleagues from the job at a local Diner. There are pastors who engage in pulpit exchanges with their colleagues, sharing a word of hope with neighboring churches. Summer is also a time of year when church attendance tends to decline. This feeling of decline encourages many Consistories to stay connected even as people are traveling in the month of August.
During the Summertime, there are some of us who during the slow pace of summer use the time to plan for September to the Advent Season, and perhaps Christmas, taking little time for sabbath in the rush of Summer chores. Then we complain about the lack of rest and opportunities to connect with our loved one.
As your Executive Minister, I encourage you —pastors, Consistory Members, and friends —to become intentional and visualize an alternative lens for caring for God’s Church. Find ways to prioritize your well-being and continue to nurture your congregations in a meaningful way. Re-energize your spirit and seek new opportunities for church growth and connection, everyone!
At the end of the Summer, As Ministers of Word and Sacrament and church leader, together as a Regional Synod, we can refine new rhythms and opportunities in prioritizing mental and emotional health of our church leadership, ensuring that our churches and church leadership will be able to thrive in the new church year as we embrace this time to rest, connect, reflect, and explore new wonders in the proclamation of the Gospel Message.
Have a Blessed Summer! You deserve it!