Observing Sabbath has been a part of our faith tradition from the beginning. God rested after doing the initial work of creation. If God rested, surely rest is important for God’s good children. Rest provides the opportunity to gain perspective, to be renewed and rejuvenated. Part of our problem is that so many of us in ministry need to be liked; we need to be valued. The way we believe that we can earn that affirmation is to be available 24/7 in an attempt to make ourselves indispensable. But such an effort will end up being counterproductive. We will put our families and our ministries at risk if we fail to take appropriate care of ourselves (one of God’s good children). I want to encourage you to ponder the questions below:

• Does your church provide for regular opportunities for you to study, rest, and renew? If not, how can you begin the dialogue with your deacons/Personnel Committee about the benefit/value of these times for both the church and you?
• What do you do in your ministry setting to facilitate the “culture of gratitude and affirmation” that Guy Sayles speaks of in the resource, “Well-Being and Excellence in Ministry,” as existing at FBC, Asheville, NC?

Layne Smith

Well-Being and Excellence in Ministry—A Practical Resource for Ministers and Caring Congregations encourages ministers and congregational leaders to consider what good conversations they might share as they create their life together. Download the resource and get more information at http://thefellowship.info/ime