Kids’ Days Off = Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, school breaks, and summers

Adults’ Days Off = Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and vacation/personal days

Ministry Leaders’ Days Off = ???

While the majority of people you serve may follow traditional school or work schedules, church ministry leaders are always “on call” in one way or another whether you are physically at church, home, or far away. Your service and care for others is great, but what about your care for yourself? Whether you are reading this blog post during the summer, fall, winter, or spring, remember that making time for sabbath of self-care will enable you to serve yourself so you can sustainably serve others, including your family and friends.

Our handy dictionary defines Sabbath as the day of the week observed as a day of rest and worship by Jews and some Christians, but also a “time of rest.” References to “rest” and “sabbath” abound in the Old Testament and New Testament. Here are seven Bible verses that are attended by reminders and inspiration for self-care—try one on yournext day off!

And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. Genesis 2:2

After you finish the work that you do, allow yourself to rest and reflect on the fruits of your labor. It may not always be on your seventh day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the good that you’ve accomplished. It’s too easy to reflect on ministry disappointments and discouragements. Resist that tendency. Dwell instead upon the ways you have blessed others. Call those moments “good” and relax!

Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Genesis 18:4

Literally give it a try on your own or invite a family member to join you! Which indoor or outdoor spaces are most restful for you? Spend time in one and rest your heart, soul, and mind. Sit under shade tree; dangle your feet in a brook; enjoy a cold beverage; and give yourself permission to day-dream!

Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Exodus 20:8

If you are active on social media, share a post or tweet that tells others you are taking a self-care sabbath day. You may be surprised how many likes and positive reactions you will get supporting your time for you—you may even start a self-care sabbath trend for them too! Whether considered “holy” or not, it’s good to be wholly offline on occasions.

How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.  Matthew 12:12

Use sabbath time to do good in new places where everybody doesn’t know your name. Perform a random act of kindness not connected directly to your ministry skills or advancing your congregation in some way. To do good—just for the joy of it—can be refreshing!

Then he said to them, "The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath;.” Mark 2:27

As ministry leaders, our sabbath activities can feel like the most on-point moments of our week—whether teaching Sunday School, orchestrating church musicians, or delivering a sermon. At what point does it feel like the sabbath was really made for us too. We are expending energy, but isn’t the point of sabbath to receive energy, to enjoy revival? Who of humankind gives you energy? Share your sabbath with those you love, those who restore your energy.

The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. Acts 13:44

Most people think that observing a sabbath of self-care is something you do in private. This passage suggests that sabbath can be enjoyed communally! Take in a concert. See a play. Go to a movie. Watch a ballgame. Think about how the word of the Lord, that you know so well, speaks in large gatherings. Jesus often reflected on the crowds, in those moments he offered some of his most powerful encouragements for ministry!

So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his.Hebrews 4:9-10

Yes, sabbath still remains. And my hope after reading this is that you are even more assured that it remains FOR YOU! Declare your self-care sabbath free from household or personal chores for both you and your family! No laundry, lawn mowing, food prep, or finances. Focus solely on what brings you pure rest and joy!

Blessings on your next sabbath day. A self-care sabbath for you. You are worthy of rest.