For The Pastor Who Is Too Busy To Take A Day Off

“When do you take a day off?”

“I try to take Mondays off . . . whenever I can.”

Interpretation: I’m too busy with ministry to take a day off.

Pastor, have you ever said anything like that? If so, here’s a warning: you are too busy.

Ministry is indeed hard work. There are many demanding hours. The ministry clock never shuts off or seems to slow down. Stress comes in waves. Each day has its own set of challenges as well as possible setbacks. So, you find yourself saying, “I just can’t take a day off!”

Pastor, if you really believe in the sovereignty of God and that Christ is the Head of the Church, then you can and must take a day off. It’s a matter of faith in the promises of God, the preeminence of Christ and the provision of the Holy Spirit.

Whose schedule are you following? God’s or yours? (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Who is setting your expectations? The Lord, people or yourself? (Psalm 62:5)
When have you completed every task, met every need and fulfilled every purpose? (Philippians 2:13)
What is your goal? The glorification of God and the Bema or your personal sense of satisfaction and/or the applause of men? (1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 14:10b-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 1:10).
Did Jesus walk away, come apart from the crowds? Are you drawn to prayer or busyness, meeting demands, getting the job done? (Mark 14:22-23)
Do you equate busyness with spirituality? Do you feel guilty when you rest? (Matthew 11:28-30)

In David Murray’s book ReSet, (pp. 54-55) he rings a true bell about being overly busy in ministry. “Show me your sleep patterns and I’ll show you your theology. For example, if we pride ourselves on sleeping only five hours a night, we preach the following truths:

I don’t trust God with my work, my church, or my family . . .
I don’t respect how my Creator has made me . . .
I don’t believe that the soul and the body are linked . . .
I don’t need to demonstrate my rest in Christ . . .
I worship idols.“

Pastor, when do you take a day off?

Action Steps:

Lay your ministry schedule out before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to reveal what parts are not necessary, could be delegated to someone else, or need to be rearranged.
Honestly, transparently and prayerfully walk through the five questions listed above.
Consider David Murray’s assessment.
Repent, be renewed and make changes by the grace of God.