September 2, 2024

Years ago, my therapist invited me to spend a week meditating on one text. “A good dose of Matthew 11:28-30 is what you need,” she insisted.

She instructed me to read it out loud from several different translations, and she dared me not to take notes, exegete the text, or develop a sermon outline. “Just sit with it,” she said, "and let it sit with you."

For my first session, I chose to read from "The Message," which is about as “different” as they come. Everything was fine until I read, “I’ll show you how to take a real REST” as “I’ll show you how to take a real RISK.”

Uh-oh.

I suspect I'm not the only one who feels like it's risky to take a rest. It's easy for us to fall in the trap of believing that we have to be super-human in order to be good pastors.

I get it. The boundaries between "work" and "personal" life aren't always clear for pastors. It's relationally, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding work...

...and even on vacation, you're just a text or phone call away.

Maybe it's time for YOU to take a real RISK REST.

Here's Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message version to get you started. Read it out loud. Sit with it, and let it sit with you:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?

Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly."

Is your church doing TOO MUCH? Are you?

Could both you AND your church flourish by choosing to do LESS?

"The Ministry of Less is More" is a free Webinar offered by Faith + Lead September 23, 24, or 26. Explore ways to discern and focus on ministry essentials and let the non-essentials go.

"How to Feel Less Overwhelmed in 20 Minutes." That's a mighty big promise for such a short article.

The five steps--[1] Pray, [2] Make a List, [3] Reduce the List, [4] Prioritize the List, and [5] Ask for Help--aren't anything new, but choosing to make the time to take those steps can have a big impact on an overwhelmed, tired preacher. Give it a try!

"I'm just tired." A short, pre-pandemic video (less than 5 minutes) from CBS Sunday Morning shares one pastor's decision to go on Sabbatical. 

"Finding God's Hope at the End of Your Rope." The 2024 Symposium (November 7-9 in Dyersburg, TN) offers workshops on pastoral self care, mental health resources, prayer, technology, and more--plus plenary sessions on hard topics like suicide.

Follow the link for a schedule, workshop descriptions, lodging information, and registration forms.

We hope to see you there!

Answer three questions about your DAY(S) OFF (or lack of them). Enquiring minds want to know...

The Louisa Woosley Preaching Initiative is a grant-funded program of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Our goal is to equip ministers and candidates for ministry to preach compelling sermons to today's diverse and often divided world. 

For more information about the initiative and our programs, visit our website.