We know we should care for ourselves, but it never hurts to be reminded of what’s at stake as we seek to be faithful in this spiritual practice. After all, ministry is a long-term commitment. We can plan for some of the challenges, like the busy seasons of Advent and Lent. Then there are the events we cannot anticipate, like funerals, community disasters and interpersonal conflict. These occurrences inevitably show up without warning and demand our full attention. If we’re honest, we have to admit that the unexpected may require more energy than we have in reserve.
The practice of self-care also faces internal obstacles. Congregational leaders may find it difficult to take the necessary time away from ministry. Sometimes we feel guilty about stepping back. Other times, the congregation places unrealistic demands on us, perhaps not realizing that what they are asking might jeopardize our personal well-being.
To thrive in ministry, it’s crucial to remember that self-care is not selfish navel gazing. Self-care is anchored in biblical teachings about rest and renewal. In fact, many spiritual disciplines require us to slow down if we are going to do them well — disciplines like prayer, journaling, solitude, meditation and silence.
When leaders take care of themselves, they model healthy behaviors for other leaders and the entire congregation. God intends for us to enjoy God’s good creation. This is difficult to do if we are over-functioning in our professional or volunteer roles. It may seem like we are being faithful if we succumb to the pressure to always be available. What is likely to happen is that we encourage unhealthy boundaries and limit the church’s ability to grow beyond our personality.
