It happens every December. It's a most festive time of year and Churches are busy. Ministers and their teams are eagerly anticipating celebrating Christmas. However, as more Christmas activities happen, in addition to the regular needs of the Church and the people in the community, this most wonderful time of year often pushes ministers to the brink of burnout. That is why this Christmas every minister needs to make time to rest. Yes, even in this busy season, rest is important.
So, how can ministers make time to pull away and rest? Here are a few ideas and digital tips to help ministers finding time to rest in the midst of the holiday stress.
Delegate
There is always a lot to do in ministry. Over the Christmas season, there is even more! Empower volunteers and staff to oversee events and other activities so you don't have to be doing it all. And, who knows, maybe you can skip can event because the volunteers or other staffers can cover it. Don't be guilted into doing more than you need to. Delegate and empower others during this time. Having this mindset will help you beyond Christmas.
Take Brief Time Outs
You work longer hours during the Christmas season. Because of that, you can take some breaks and time outs so you can spend time with your family or even get in some rest. If you work those longer hours with no break, burning you and your family out over this time of year can be very destructive and have negative lasting effects.
Make Sure You Are Taking a Day Off
Just because you are taking brief time outs, doesn't mean you are honoring the sabbath. Similarly to taking brief time outs, making sure you stay committed to honoring your day off is just as important. You need the rest and the time off. God can and will do all things that He needs to. We have to trust Him to take care of what we need to take care of.
Accept Help When Offered
People know you are busy this time of year for you. And, they want to help. Allow others the joy of helping and serving by lightening your load this time of year. It can be any help from providing food for your family, doing things around the Church office that you usually help with or something else entirely.
Utilize Digital Helps
We live in a digital world. Because of that, there are some great digital tools that can help ministers find rest this Christmas. For instance, you can:
- Use auto-respond and away message features in your email to set boundaries and manage expectations around your availability during times and days off. This really helps to communicate your self-care priorities.
- Enable the Do Not Disturb settings on your phone, mute notifications, and set the device down completely during Sabbath rest times to maintain undistracted presence.
- Invest in noise-cancelling headphones. That way you can wear while sitting in quiet with God and can block out distractions when you are working.
- Download apps like Calm or Headspace to use guided meditations that center and renew stressed minds during intentional breathing breaks between Christmas activities.
Conclusion
Christmas is a very busy time of year. And while ministers will have to work more hours, there are intentional things you can do to find rest. Make sure you guard your spiritual, physical and emotional health and find time to rest. The more effective you can guard your time and rest during this time, the longer you will be effective and last in ministry.
What do you think? What are other ways ministers can rest this Christmas season? Share your ideas below or on social media.
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