A True Shepherd, Indeed: Why Pastors Need Rest and Renewal
As members of a faith community, we often reflect on the role of our spiritual leaders—our pastors—and their tireless dedication to caring for their flock. The pastor is a true shepherd, indeed, walking alongside the congregation in every season of life. But how often do we, as a congregation, consider the toll this calling takes on them? How often do we ensure they have the time and space to renew and refresh their spirits, just as they work to nourish ours?
Too often, pastors are left with little opportunity to step back from their demanding schedules to focus on their own spiritual health. This is not out of neglect or lack of care on the part of the congregation, but perhaps because we don’t fully recognize the depth of their responsibility. Scripture gives us clear examples that even those called to the highest forms of ministry—such as Paul and Jesus—needed times of renewal.
Today, let’s explore why giving pastors this gift of time to rest is vital and how doing so benefits the pastor and the entire congregation.
The Pastor’s Calling: A Life of Sacrifice and Service
We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 of the Apostle Paul’s deep commitment to serve others for the sake of the Gospel. Paul says:
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.”
“To those not having the law I became like one not having the law… To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
In this passage, we see Paul’s willingness to lay aside his own freedoms and rights to meet people where they are, adjusting his approach to win souls to Christ. This is the essence of the pastoral calling: a life of sacrifice, service, and adaptability.
Our pastors live this out daily. They counsel couples before marriage and during times of marital difficulty. They visit those in the hospital, sit with grieving families, and offer guidance to those facing deep struggles. They comfort the brokenhearted, listen to the troubled, and give of themselves tirelessly. But like Paul, their sacrificial service can be draining.
Pastors, Like Jesus, Need Time to Renew
The example of Jesus is perhaps the most compelling reason pastors need time to rest and renew. Throughout the Gospels, we see that even Jesus, the Son of God, took time to step away from the demands of ministry to pray, reflect, and be with His Father.
In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus sent the crowds away after feeding the five thousand and went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. In Luke 6:12, He prayed an entire night before selecting His twelve disciples. And in the Garden of Gethsemane, before facing His ultimate sacrifice, Jesus withdrew to pray and seek strength from His Father (Matthew 26:36).
If Jesus, in all His divine power and purpose, needed time alone with God to refresh His spirit, how much more do our pastors need it? Shepherding a flock is spiritually, emotionally, and even physically draining. If pastors are to continue guiding their congregations with wisdom and grace, they must have moments where they can rest and be restored.
Why Congregations Should Give Their Pastors Time for Renewal
Sadly, many congregations do not offer their pastors the opportunity to take extended time away for rest and renewal. Pastors often go years without a significant break, whether out of tradition, financial limitations, or simply not realizing the need.
But think of it this way: Just as Jesus withdrew to the mountains, just as Paul took time to reflect on his own ministry, our pastors need the same space. A well-rested pastor is not only healthier but also more effective in ministry. When pastors are given the chance to refresh their spirits, they return to the pulpit with renewed passion and deeper insights from God.
Here are a few reasons why congregations should consider allowing their pastors time to rest:
Prevention of Burnout: Ministry is a deeply personal and taxing job. Giving pastors time off helps prevent burnout, which can lead to emotional and spiritual exhaustion.
Renewed Spiritual Strength: When pastors take time to rest, they can pray, seeking God’s guidance for their next steps in ministry. They come back with renewed energy and focus, benefiting the church.
An Example of Self-Care: By encouraging your pastor to rest, you also set an example for the congregation. We, too, are called to moments of rest to recharge and focus on our relationship with God.
A Time to Be Shepherded: Pastors spend their lives caring for others. Allowing them time for renewal lets them be cared for, shepherded, and received by others—rather than always giving.
How Congregations Can Support Their Pastor’s Rest
So, how can we, as a congregation, encourage and support our pastors in taking time for renewal?
- Create Space for Rest: Many churches build a sabbatical period into their pastor’s schedule, offering them several weeks or months every few years to step away from active ministry for a time of renewal. Consider advocating for such a practice if it isn’t already in place.
- Delegate Responsibilities: Make sure the congregation is prepared to handle the responsibilities of ministry while the pastor is away. This may mean having guest preachers, equipping lay leaders to handle pastoral care needs, or leaning on associate pastors.
- Offer Encouragement: Sometimes, pastors feel guilty or hesitant about taking time off because they don’t want to appear as though they’re neglecting their duties. As a congregation, express your support and encourage them to take the time they need.
- Provide Financial Support: Depending on the church’s financial situation, a period of rest may seem impossible. However, if the congregation recognizes the importance of this time, they can work together to provide for the pastor’s needs during their time away—whether that means covering costs for a retreat, finding guest speakers, or offering additional financial support.
Conclusion: A Call to Shepherd Our Shepherds
In closing, I want to remind us all that our pastors are not superhuman. They are called to shepherd us, but they are also human beings with spiritual and emotional needs. If we want our pastors to be “True Shepherds Indeed,” we must first recognize their need for rest and renewal.
Just as Jesus often withdrew to the mountains to pray, and Paul needed moments to reflect on his mission, our pastors need time to reconnect with God and refresh their spirits, too. As a congregation, let’s commit to providing the space and support they need to continue leading us with wisdom and love.
May we be a community that not only receives the blessing of a faithful pastor but also blesses our pastor with the gift of time, rest, and renewal. In doing so, we honor the work God is doing in them and ensure they can continue to shepherd us for many years.
Author
Barbara Schobl-Legee
Barbara Schobl-Legee, raised in a military family from Florida, journeyed across the United States, embracing diverse faith experiences.
Baptized into the Baptist faith, she later became an ordained Pentecostal Holiness preacher and served as an Associate Pastor at Gospel Tabernacle and Antioch Southern Baptist Church.
Marrying into a Catholic family, Barbara and her husband found common ground in the Episcopal Church, where she now serves as a Licensed Lay Preacher in the Diocese of Central Florida.
Her fascination with prophecy, dating back to 2008, led her to pen four books on the subject. In promoting her prophecy books, she earned the title of international author, reaching readers in the U.K., Australia, and Canada.
Additionally, she's an international speaker and Bible teacher, sharing insights and teachings with Kenyan women via Messenger.