A church member recently asked me, “When do you Sabbath?” My response was, “Why did you have to ask me that?” Because I know the answer and it isn’t a good one.

I said, “You can pray for me in this area, I really don’t rest well. I have too much I need to do and too much I want to do to rest. Or at least I think that’s the case.”

As I drove home two things came into my mind. First, how wonderful it is to have church members that care enough to ask a question! Appropriate and consistent rest undoubtedly fuels longevity in ministry. A healthy church will encourage one another in this truth and hold each other accountable to this truth. I am thankful that my congregation cares enough to lovingly correct my power-trippin’, pride-fuelin’ assault on rest.

The second thing I thought about was how I might better incorporate times of rest and retreat into my ministry. I do think there are times for prolonged sabbatical or vacation, but how realistic they are will vary. What’s more realistic are bite-sized sabbaticals and retreats. One helpful resource on this topic is an old lecture from Mike Bullmore entitled, “Watch Your Planning: The Strategic Role of Personal Retreats.” Here’s what Sovereign Grace Ministries says about the talk,

Any pastor benefits from periodic opportunities to contemplate, plan for, and pray about his ministry. These times away from the office allow unhurried reflection, refresh the pastor spiritually, encourage creativity, and practically express dependence on God.

Despite the benefits, difficulties remain. Leaving behind a mountain of work requires faith, and preparing for a fruitful retreat requires foresight and concrete objectives. With these challenges in mind, Mike Bullmore gives this seminar to help pastors plan for regular retreats. He addresses a retreat’s purpose and effects, gives practical pointers, and suggests ways to establish an effective cycle of preparation and review.

So if you, like me, are tempted to think the health of your church requires your incessant labor, let the wise Mr. Bullmore encourage you to retreat from such silliness.