Unplugged

I had the opportunity to watch a sermon last night, by Pastor Brady Boyd, author of Addicted to Busy, in which he preached on this topic at James River Assembly of God, in Springfield, Mo.

He spoke on the example Christ gave us, regarding Sabbath and what was accomplished in His ministry after times of getting alone to pray.

In a society driven to produce faster, better, more long-term results without error, it's hard to be convinced that we can afford to take a break and get away...let alone, entirely disconnect for a time.

Do you want to know how serious this is?

Earlier this year, Mar 4, 2015 to be exact, the Wall Street Journal posted in their blog, that Americans forfeit $52.4 BILLION EVERY YEAR because they won't take time off. The post goes on to share research of the cost to companies for the day they have to start paying out that accumulated vacation time, also a staggering number.

The cost when ministry is involved? Well, before burning out, there's emotional detriment to the family from a lack of personal time. Spiritual deterioration as sermons aren't as well-thought and relevant as needed. Church operations suffer from leadership that doesn't have an effective handle on what is transpiring within the congregation nor the church-at-large.

And downhill life goes. Loss or lack of friends. Family starts falling. Diminished time in the Word. Depleted time in prayer.
Stress moves in. Worry takes over. Burnout knocks at the door.

This #seniorPastorMonday, pray Pastors will recognize the importance of "unplugging". Pray they will be reminded of the importance of Sabbath, of rest. Pray they will not be afraid to step away from the busyness, that they people and the work will wait as they recharge spiritually, emotionally, mentally, socially & physically. Pray they will trust God afresh; relying on Him rather than self, to accomplish the work they have been called. May they not be afraid to call for help. May the not be afraid to reach out to those around them, acknowledging they can't do ministry on their own.

Find rest. Work hard. Have fun. For the glory of God. For the cause of Jesus Christ. Following His example of life and of ministry... disconnecting from all that called for His attention in order that He could call on the Father.

Filled and Renewed. Then poured out for God. Repeatedly.

-PNC

---