Take a Day Off or Die (and that’s only a slight exaggeration)
A day off is an absolute requirement in youth ministry. Simply put: take a day off or you won’t last. Here are a few ideas to make the most of your much-needed day off.
Get with…or away from…people
Some of you need to be with people on your day off (friends, family, etc.) because they energize you and help you make the most of a day off. Others need to avoid people altogether because you find refreshment in being alone. Whichever way you lean…lean hard that direction on your day off!
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Reconnect with God
Youth ministry usually only has two speeds: Fast, and super fast! If you are anything like us, it is often difficult to connect with God at any level of real intimacy during the hustle and bustle of a typical week. A day off is the perfect time to do just that! In fact, tomorrow’s edition of the SYM Today will be a devotional you can use on your next day off.
Do something simple and fun
Youth ministry fatigue usually sets in when you aren’t getting enough rest or are all work and no play. So, find an afternoon soon that you can set aside to do something fun that you normally don’t have time for. Play 9 holes of golf, go for a jog, browse through a book store, knit a sweater (that’s what Josh usually likes to do) or catch a matinee movie.
Get away from it all
Sometimes there’s nothing you can do about feeling drained without just simple taking some time off. It wasn’t too long ago that I (Josh) took a full week to go completely offline and spending time with the family. Fight fatigue with fun. Hit the beach. Go to Disneyland. Leave your laptop, turn off your phone and get away.
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Oh, and one last thing: often times a game-changing or potentially painful decision sits right in front of you and robs you of your passion and energy even on a day off. So just make the call! You might be surprised at the freedom and renewed excitement you feel once you get that out of the way. If it is a tough conversation, pray about it and then have it. Tackle that energy-busting obstacle you’ve been putting off and then turn off, too!
Conversation
I would talk to your pastor
I would talk to your pastor about your hours first and foremost. As a youth pastor there has to be some time allowed to be around teens outside of services. Ask about trading some office time for evenings spent WITH TEENS. There are weeks where I have one day off but sometimes when I have many things going on in the evenings, I have to take 2 or 3 "days" off. (By this I mean time with wife and kids during the day and then with teens in the afternoon/evenings.
Every church is different, but keep at it and God will lead you to what He has for you and your ministry.
This article really spoke to
This article really spoke to me and is completely true. I have been running at marathon pace for months and for the past 2-3 weeks without a break or Sabbath. I am currently home having a mental health day because after running so much, my body let me know I needed a break with an anxiety attack. In the midst of working for God's kingdom and trying to live life, it is easy to think of a Sabbath as a luxury, however with the work that God has called each of us to it is a requirement and a gift. This is a lesson that I am, unfortunately, learning the hard way. To my co-laborers of the gospel who speak to the heart of precious children, teenagers, and families, I do ask that you not have to wait that long before you learn that lesson.
God bless you and He and I love you
Thanks so much for this
Thanks so much for this article!! We all have those awesome people in our churches who can zap our energy... I have been dealing with one of those for the last few weeks. Although I knew the best thing to do was to go to that person and just hash out the issue... I did not want to. So, I let it drain me. Yesterday, the opportunity presented itself- so I took it. Although we still do not see eye to eye on every subject, it was a relief to finally be able to talk to that person again. It has made a BIG difference on this day off!!
What a great article! I just
What a great article! I just experienced this recently to the point where I disappeared for 3 whole days because of mental and physical fatigue. I had been experiencing this at such a level that I couldn't pray or read the bible or study the way I normally do to stay intimate with the Lord and it caused me much confusion. I thank God for this confirming word, that I have to take this day or die.
What if I am not allowed to
What if I am not allowed to have a day off every week? My Pastor makes me work from 9-5 M-F. Saturday is my only day off (unless there is something going on at the church or there is a youth event). My Pastor gets to have Fridays off. What should I do?
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