In the bustling world of ministry, as pastors and church leaders, it’s easy to find ourselves swept away by the demands of our roles. From sermon preparations to counseling sessions, community outreach, and administrative tasks, our days are often filled to the brim. In the midst of these responsibilities, we sometimes lose sight of what truly sustains us: our relationship with Jesus and the precious moments we share with our loved ones.
Consider the story of Martha and Mary, a narrative that resonates deeply with many of us. Martha, well-intentioned and diligent, found herself preoccupied with the details of serving, bustling about the house to ensure everything was just right for Jesus. It was a noble endeavor, yet in her flurry of activity, she missed out on the most significant part—being present with the Lord. How often do we, too, find ourselves trapped in the Martha mindset, so engrossed in our tasks that we forget the essence of our ministry?
As I reflect on my own journey in ministry, I’ve often found myself teetering on the edge of burnout, trying to do it all. It wasn’t until I took a personal inventory of my time that I realized the imbalance. I discovered that while I was fervently serving others, my personal time with Jesus was becoming a rushed affair, and moments with my family were unintentionally fleeting.
One of the fundamental shifts I made was prioritizing my time with Jesus. I started small, dedicating a few minutes every morning to prayer and Scripture reading. Over time, these moments grew, becoming a cherished anchor in my day. These quiet moments of communion allowed me to draw strength, wisdom, and inspiration from the One who called me to this ministry in the first place.
In our hyper-connected world, distractions are aplenty. I found solace in creating sacred spaces—moments of solitude free from the buzz of notifications and emails. It was in these moments that I could truly listen to God’s voice, allowing His guidance to permeate my decisions and sermons. Distractions diminished, and my focus on Him became unwavering.
Yet, finding balance isn’t only about our spiritual life—it’s also about nurturing our relationships. The people we love, our spouses, children, and friends, deserve our undivided attention. One practical step I took was instituting ‘device-free dinners.’ During these times, phones were set aside, and genuine conversations flourished.
I also learned the profound impact of being fully present. When I am with my family, I strive to be all there—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In these moments, I discovered the beauty of genuine connection. Quality time, whether a shared hobby or a heartfelt conversation, strengthened the bonds that sometimes felt strained due to the demands of ministry.
This transformative journey of balancing ministry, personal spiritual life, and relationships didn’t happen overnight. It was a conscious decision, a daily commitment to align my priorities with what truly matters. As pastors and church leaders, finding this balance is not just a gift to ourselves but a testimony to those we lead. When they see us thriving in our walk with God and in our relationships, it inspires and encourages them to seek similar balance in their lives.
In the tapestry of ministry, the threads of our personal relationship with Jesus and the bonds we share with our loved ones are irreplaceable. Let us learn from Martha’s earnestness but also from Mary’s wisdom—to sit at the feet of Jesus and to be present with our nearest and dearest. In finding this equilibrium, we not only enrich our lives but also impart a profound lesson to our congregations—the lesson of a balanced, Christ-centered life, where love, both divine and human, reigns supreme.
Questions for Reflection:
How do you personally handle distractions in your ministry or daily life?
Are there specific practices or habits that help you maintain a sense of balance?
Can you share a story of a moment when intentional presence made a significant difference in your ministry or personal life?
What advice would you offer to fellow pastors, church leaders, or ministry workers who are struggling to find balance in their busy lives?
We look forward to hearing your insights and experiences in the comments below!
About the Author: Brent Wernsing the the founding pastor of Kairos Church in Winter Haven, Florida. He has been serving in ministry for over 16 years. He is married to Christine, they currently have 8 children with another due in March of 2024. Pastor Brent has a heart for foster care and adoption. With almost an equal amount of passion for coffee.