Sabbath Rest

Starting from the philosophy that God commanded Sabbath for a reason and that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath, how does one in ministry really experience Sabbath rest?

When I first came to this town, I had various discussions trying to get to know the people of my church, and one group began discussing blue laws. Formerly, there were no activities scheduled at all on Sundays or Wednesday evenings (as they were church nights). This group wistfully recalled how it used to be, but now there were all sorts of activities "on the Sabbath." Truth is, this town is much more accommodating of church schedules than anywhere else I've lived, especially regarding school activities.

But that's really beside the point. The point is that Sunday is my hardest day of work. It's not my longest day of work, but it is definitely the hardest. But you're preaching and singing and worshiping!! you might say. Yes, I am. And even though "going to church" is an integral part of your "Sabbath," it's work, and it's hard. Even though I usually enjoy it and get satisfaction from doing it, it's hard work, and it's exhausting.

I get one day off a week, and it sure ain't Sunday. So where does the ministry professional get Sabbath rest? My priorities are supposed to be as follows:

1. God
2. My family
3. My church

Every week, I do my very best to spend my day off with my family - I need this time with them. They need that time with me. But the expectation is that I spend six days working. I ask again, when does a ministry professional get Sabbath rest?

I wrote a while back about pastor expectations, and I believe that Sabbath rest should be an expectation for every pastor. We need to demand this, and our churches need to demand this of us. Part of this is because when we neglect Sabbath, we are ultimately setting ourselves up as gods. Think about it. What is it that we are saying when you say, "I need to work 60 (or more) hours a week"? We're saying that we have lots of work to do (true), but generally that also means that we are the only ones who can do it.

That's just not true. In fact, it's a sinful way of thinking.

It sets into motion a system that necessarily neglects God's input and pedestalizes the clergyperson in God's place. If we believe that through God, all things are possible; if we believe that God chose to show His glory by culling Gideon's army down to (less than) the bare minimum, and still giving them victory; if we believe that God created everything with a Word (in seven days, literal or not), then can't God do His work through us in a five day work week?