Church work is a calling filled with great joy—and great demands. Whether you serve as a pastor, teacher, DCE, deaconess, musician, or in another ministry role, the needs of God’s people are constant. Sermons must be written, lessons prepared, visits made, meetings attended, and members counseled. It’s easy to feel like there’s never a good time to slow down.
Yet God did not design His workers to function without rest. While the world glorifies busyness, Scripture teaches that sustainable ministry requires energy, wisdom, and intentional rest. A leader who is constantly exhausted cannot serve effectively for long.
God built rhythms of rest into creation, commanded His people to remember the Sabbath, and even modeled rest Himself. As Christ’s servants, we are called to care for His flock—but also for ourselves, so that we may serve well for years to come.
The Energy Crisis in Ministry
Many church workers experience burnout because they ignore an essential truth: energy is a finite resource. The demands of ministry often outpace the time and strength available. Michael Hyatt, a leadership and productivity expert, identifies three key aspects of energy management that are particularly relevant for those in full-time ministry:
- Recognizing energy cycles. God has created us with times of high energy and times of low energy. Wise ministry leaders schedule their most demanding work—such as sermon preparation, teaching, or counseling—when they are most focused (Hyatt, Free to Focus).
- Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and exercise. Long hours and irregular schedules can lead to poor sleep and neglect of health. But caring for the body is part of stewarding the gifts God has given us (Hyatt, Your Best Year Ever).
- Setting boundaries to protect energy. Ministry often comes with an expectation of 24/7 availability, but wise leaders know when to say no, set limits, and delegate tasks when possible (Hyatt, The Focus Course).
When church workers fail to manage their energy, exhaustion takes over. A burned-out leader cannot shepherd God’s people well. While leadership insights like Hyatt’s are helpful, the deeper truth is that rest is not just a leadership strategy—it is a gift from God.
The Sabbath and the Third Commandment
From the beginning, God established a rhythm of work and rest. After six days of creation, He rested—not because He was tired, but to set a pattern for His people (Gen. 2:2–3). The Third Commandment calls us to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (Ex. 20:8).
Luther’s Explanation of the Third Commandment
In his Small Catechism, Martin Luther explains that this commandment is not merely about physical rest but about honoring God’s Word:
“We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it” (Small Catechism, Part 1).
For church workers, this truth carries a special challenge: when preaching, teaching, and worship leadership become duties, it can be difficult to receive these same gifts personally. Ministry leaders must be intentional about hearing the Word for themselves, not just delivering it to others.
The Sabbath Fulfilled in Christ
The Old Testament Sabbath law pointed forward to its fulfillment in Christ. Paul writes:
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ” (Col. 2:16–17).
Christ is our true Sabbath rest. While pastors and other church workers are not bound to observe a particular day of rest, they must still be intentional about receiving God’s gifts. Who is preaching to the preacher? Who is pastoring the pastor? Gathering with other Christians, stepping away from responsibilities, and finding times of renewal are vital for long-term ministry.
Servant Leadership: Leading from Rest, Not Exhaustion
Jesus, the perfect servant leader, often withdrew to pray and rest (Mark 6:31). He did not operate on burnout but led from a place of spiritual and physical renewal. If Christ Himself took time away to pray and rest, how much more do we need it?
True servant leadership is not about working endlessly but about leading wisely. A ministry leader who never rests will eventually struggle to:
- Preach with clarity. A well-rested leader prepares sermons and Bible studies with greater depth and insight.
- Shepherd with patience. Burnout breeds frustration, while rest fuels compassion.
- Set an example for the flock. Church members take their cues from their leaders. If they see their pastor or church staff constantly exhausted, they may assume that faithfulness means never stopping. But if they see healthy rhythms of work and rest, they will be encouraged to do the same.
Jesus calls His workers to something different:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30).
Practical Steps for Church Workers
Ministry leaders who integrate biblical wisdom about rest into their daily lives will be better equipped to serve their congregations. Consider these steps:
- Recognize when you are running on empty. Do you feel exhausted every Monday? Are you short-tempered or unfocused? These may be signs that you need rest.
- Honor the Sabbath in spirit, even if Sunday is a workday. Find another day during the week to step away from responsibilities and be refreshed.
- Receive pastoral care. Pastors need pastors. Find a trusted brother in ministry for confession, encouragement, and accountability.
- Prioritize health. Make time for sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, even in the busiest seasons.
- Set boundaries. It is okay to say no to non-essential tasks. Guard your time with your family and with the Lord.
- Follow Jesus’ example. Step away for prayer, solitude, and renewal. If Christ needed time alone with the Father, so do we.
Conclusion: Serving with Strength
Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint. The Lord has called you to serve His people, but He has also called you to rest in Him. Michael Hyatt’s insights on energy management align with God’s wisdom, but the foundation for true renewal is found in Christ alone.
You are not indispensable. The church belongs to Christ, not to you. Rest in Him. Trust His Word. Let Him sustain you for faithful service, now and always.
Further Reading
- Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV)
- Luther, Martin. Small Catechism. Concordia Publishing House.
- Luther, Martin. Large Catechism. Concordia Publishing House.
- Walther, C.F.W. The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel. Concordia Publishing House.
- Hyatt, Michael. Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less. Baker Books, 2019.
- Senkbeil, Harold L. The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart. Lexham Press, 2019.
