Archive for the 'Pastors' 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 lessoned. 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.
Four Books I Read While Away For A Few Days
My wife, Jeana, and I had the privilege to be away for a few days over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Our staff team was encouraged not to interrupt our time away through emails, text messages, calls, or via social network updates. I am thankful our team let us “escape” in such away — it served as a great blessing.
If I can make my way to a beach, and remain uninterrupted, I can read endlessly. This is exactly what I did several hours a day for several days in a row. During my time away I was able to read four books, plus listen to several hours of podcasts during my daily runs. During this time I have been ministered to and encouraged. I want to share with you what I read over these few days.
1. Leading On Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion
Wayne Cordeiro, Author
Every minister and, quite honestly, any person who has leadership responsibilities can gain something from this testimonial and helpful read. Pastor Cordeiro, who I enjoy listening to on his podcasts, gives readers a helpful and transparent word about his own life and leadership. God has used this man greatly and it is a great reminder to all of us how challenging ministry leadership can be. The counsel he provides in this book blessed me.
2. The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
Mark Batterson, Author
This is one of the most motivating books on prayer that I have read in years. As a committed prayer warrior and one who has written on prayer as well as prayer and fasting, I was ministered to greatly. This is a book that will be around for many years, one that any Christian can benefit from reading. We must return to the power of prayer, calling upon the God of Heaven to do mighty things among us. Batterson’s testimony of the continuous “God Stories” in and through his church will uplift you spiritually.
3. I Am A Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference
Thom S. Rainer, Author
I had initially read Thom Rainer’s book when I was asked to endorse it. I then took it to my staff, telling them to get ready for it because it is a winner! As General Editor of the Bible Studies For Life Curriculum Series, I appealed to my Bible Studies For Life advisory council that we need this book to become a six-week series in our three-year scope and sequence. Praise God, we are doing it!
Listen friends, I believe in this book. My team and I have ordered 500 copies to give to leaders of our church and I’m encouraging them to let it be a summer read for them. Additionally, I will encourage these leaders to pass it on to another church member upon completion. On top of this, I am informing our team this week that I want us to give this book to each family who joins our Cross Church family.
This is a winner book! Our people need it! I need it! The church needs it!
Read this book! You can read it in less than one hour!
4. 7 Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness
Eric Metaxas, Author
This is one great read! Quite honestly, this book needs to be taught in our senior high schools all over our nation. It highlights seven great men and the qualities that made them great. Eric Metaxas does a splendid job in writing an easy read of these historic figures and how they have been used in their lives powerfully. They have each left a legacy.
I love reading biographies. This book provides the biographies of seven men, their distinctiveness, and their contribution to society. How we need these kinds of leaders today. Read this book. It is worth the journey and the time!
One More Thing — Growing Through Listening To Podcasts While Running
I am not a great runner, but I run. While I run, I listen to others that can teach me the Word of God. I listen to all kinds of people talk about all kinds of things. I hear them share their heart as they preach in churches and at conferences. I also learn about leadership through various podcasts.
Most days I was able to run at least an hour which at times can allow me to listen to two podcasts. What I have been so blessed by is how God uses the diversity of Christian leaders minister to me during this time.
I listen to people who are much younger than me, much older than me, and much smarter than me (which is not too hard!). I learn. I grow. I pray. I am mentored by all of them.
Therefore, not just in time while I’m away, but through working out five or six days a week, I am able to listen to hours and hours of the Word of God coming into my life from God’s people. I am challenged intellectually. I become overwhelmed spiritually. God teaches me. Thank God that while bodily exercise profits just a little, godliness is profitable in all things. As I combine the bodily and spiritual growth moments, God grows me in Him daily.
Never Stop Growing,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.