Archive for the 'Leadership' Category
Three Benefits of a Few Days Away From Your Ministry
Pastors, there are many benefits of taking a few days away from your ministry. In my younger years, I wondered if I could afford to be away. But the longer I am in the ministry, the more I know that my body, my family, and my church need me to take a few days away from the ministry. It is profitable for all parties.
When we first started out in ministry, our time away from the church was mainly spent with our families. It seemed like when we arrived at Jeana’s family home, six hours away, or at my parents’ home, 11 hours away, we were on a retreat. Our families played with and cared for our boys while we rested and slept. It was not about where we went, but being away was always profitable.
Since today’s blog is directed towards pastors and church leaders, let me share a few of the benefits I have found in taking time away:
Benefit #1: Diversion relaxes the mind
Regardless of where you may go to be away from your ministry — it is a diversion. This diversion relaxes the mind. Stepping away from the daily grind is very beneficial for the mind. Even though technology can keep us connected, and even if you enter into a time of some decision-making, you are still removed from your normal ministry routine.
Benefit #2: Learning refreshes the spirit
When I am away in a friendly, relaxing place I choose to learn. I am able to read books I’ve wanted to read, rather than books I must read. I am able to take some more time for running and exercise, which provides me opportunities to listen to pastors and teachers who mentor me through their podcast ministry. Earlier this week, I wrote a blog about, “Four Books I Read While Away For A Few Days.” I encourage you to read that post to see what I did and read during that time.
Now, when it is just Jeana and I away for a while, learning can occur much easier than if we take a week away with our children and grandchildren. That time away is much more engaging, but again, beneficial as a diversion. The season of your life definitely determines the benefits of being away.
Benefit #3: Changing pace rests the body
Time away from the ministry always should result in a change of pace. Your schedule should not remain the same; in fact, you need to insure it changes some. When we go away, decision-making is lessened. Quite honestly, here is what will comprise a day while Jeana and I are away. These things you can count on:
*We always begin our day with God — while at home this is usually very early most days. When we are away, we sleep later.
*We exercise nearly every day while away — we both do this, using the time to learn, grow, and be mentored by someone through listening to a podcast of some kind.
*We will spend our days together — this may be at the beach, or shopping, or every now and then we take in a movie.
*We will eat — this is usually our biggest decision of the day in our time away. We will usually go to an early dinner and we greatly enjoy this time together.
*We will usually drive around, taking in the environment — this is refreshing to both of us, but especially for me.
When your daily pace is changed, your body is more likely to become rested. In the few days away we just had together, I came back rested.
In closing, Pastor . . .
Take time away. There is nothing noble or spiritual about refusing to go away. Yes, through the years, I have had to force myself to do so. There have been times when I’ve left the office feeling fearful of what may happen while I would be away. There have also been occasions that while I was away my time was jeopardized by problems at the church. Just recently, my biggest issue was that I felt the “treadmill of life” that I had been on for several months was running so fast I was not sure I could get off of it.
So Pastor, there will always be reasons to not be away from the ministry. But let me be completely honest with you. There are three major reasons you need to be away:
*YOU need it
*YOUR family needs it
*YOUR church needs it
Therefore, take the time. Let God use it in your life.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Why I Love America
Today ronniefloyd.com welcomes guest writer Drew Griffin. Griffin serves as Cross Church’s Church Planting Apprentice. In August 2013, Griffin and his wife, Emily, will relocate to New York City to ignite the launch of a church plant in New York City’s Upper East Side. Follow Griffin on Twitter at @dg_nyc and on his blog, The Implanted Word.
Why I Love America
We live in an evil era. There is no doubt about this. One cursory look across the landscape of culture and media confirms that our world lies under the domain of the evil one. It could be argued that from Jesus’ very ascension into heaven Christians have been living in what the Apostle Paul would have described as “the last days.” Many days during this last year have given the Christian much reason for pause and concern.
For many American Christians, amid the cultural chaos and the moral decline, it has become increasingly difficult to love America.
But I look at the landscape of America and still find much to appreciate and even more to be grateful for.
Nations are not accidents; they are examples of God’s providence and protection. In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul informs us that God raises up governments and that individuals in power are His instruments to administer justice. When we reflect on what God has given us in and through America, we have particular cause to be thankful. Consider these four characteristics woven into the fabric of the American experience.
1. Identity
America is unique in that it is one of the only nations in the world where one can become ‘an American’ regardless of where you’re from or who you are. Everyone here is from somewhere else. We identify an American not simply in terms of legal status, but also as a way of life, a set of ideals, principles, and habits. I was an American long before I was a Christian; and I was taught how to be an American — how to identify with something greater than myself. I cannot look back on my experience of learning what it means to be an American and not draw a parallel to my experience of learning what it means to be a Christian. God in His grace and mercy gave me the gift of salvation. Since the day I became a citizen of God’s Kingdom, I have learned the way of life, principles, and habits that mark a Christian’s life. As a believer, my identity is in Christ. As an American my identity is rooted in a common history. I love America because being an American has taught me the value of an identity.
2. Protection
I still remember as a child watching the footage of distant wars and going to parades to see the full regalia of American might on parade. I was filled with awe and an overwhelming sense of feeling protected. Although that sense of protection has been tried at times, most notably on 9/11, I am grateful that our nation rarely takes the sword in vain. In this too, America serves as but a shadow for the protection my Lord provides. When our nation fails in its role to protect, and when justice remains unsatisfied, I know that ultimately there is One who will never leave nor forsake His own, and no one will ever be able to pluck me from His hand. I love America because I know in some small way how it feels to be protected, so many in this world only dream of this gift.
3. Sacrifice
I have had the occasion to visit Arlington national cemetery in Washington D.C. a number of times. I even had the opportunity to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns, which commemorates all those who have fallen anonymously in service to their country. It is impossible not to be moved when one stands amid the fields of marble headstones in Arlington. Though the tombs are silent, the cry of their sacrifice is deafening. Those brave Americans who have given the last best measure of their lives so that I might enjoy mine deserve veneration and respect. They model the selfless love of the One who came before them, who died so that all might live. I love America for the witness of many who willingly sacrificed their life for the lives of others. Whether they realized it or not, their lives and their gift of life pointed to Christ and His sacrifice.
4. Rebirth
America has often been referred to as an experiment, a temporary trial of new ideals and bold freedoms. This nation was not simply born; it has and continues to be reborn. Through great sacrifice and difficulty America came into being, and ever since it has been a haven for potential. The very air that we breathe is scented with possibility. For many years people from all over the globe have crawled and scraped just to take a gasp. We are an unfinished project, an incomplete structure, and we know it. Our founders recognized that they were not the pinnacles of human achievement; they gave us the tools to improve our lot and better our culture. Those same tools have been used for both good and ill, but their mere existence should give the Christian hope. As Christians we should realize that we are also unfinished works, being renewed day by day in the Spirit of God. I love America because it is a land of rebirth and second chances; and as such it points to the grace of God who desires all to be born again and whose limitless love stands open to embrace the faithful and prodigal alike.
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.