During a conversation with our podcast producer Kevin Smith a few weeks ago, he mentioned that we often focus our time, effort, and energy on preparing for Easter and then forget to rest and reflect afterward. As pastors and ministry leaders, it’s easy to feel like we have to keep pressing on after the amens are over on Easter Sunday because the needs never seem to end.
However, we must do what Jesus commands us to do: take Sabbath. Today, we’ve got three of our wonderful team members on the podcast—Kevin Smith, Bobby Lewis, and Denis Keith. Each of these guys has spent many years in ministry, and they all have such great advice on why it’s essential to recharge and how to do it best. As you listen today, take some time to reflect on how you can be more disciplined in taking time for Sabbath.
From us at 95Network, we pray that you had a wonderful Easter celebration this year. There is so much to be thankful for, the most important of all being Christ’s sacrifice for us so we can spend eternity with Him.
Links to Resources Mentioned or Related
- Replenish by Lance Witt
- Your One Life by Lance Witt
- At Your Best by Carey Nieuwhof
- Use code PODCAST to get 10% off anything in our store!
- Read Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They’d Be There By Now
- Use code PODCAST to get 10% off anything in our store!
- Read Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They’d Be There By Now
- Watch the full YouTube Episode Here
Key Takeaways
1) Create a plan ahead of time for the weeks between Easter and Mother’s Day. Something as simple as a well-thought-out plan can ease your mental load. Plan out your sermon ideas for the next few weeks after the holiday, or create an action plan in advance for reaching out to new guests.
2) As a part of that plan, include time for rest for both you and your leadership and volunteers. As Denis so aptly says, “You cannot give away what you do not possess.” If you’re operating on empty all the time, you’re not providing for the needs of the people God has made you responsible for.
3) Make clear communication a strategic part of your planning. When working with a team, the best way to achieve results is to communicate your plan clearly. If you intend to take a day off the week after Easter, make sure everyone knows what to expect.
4) During your Sabbath practice, choose small projects you not only enjoy but can also see to completion. Because ministry is never technically “complete,” it’s often satisfying to be able to finish a separate project in its entirety. What do you enjoy doing that you can see through to the end?
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