Patrick Lencioni, in his book, The Advantage, notes that ‘organizational health trumps everything.’ Not only have I found his argument to be true in the church to a high degree, but I have also found it to be true for the leaders of the church as well. Outside of the work of God, health is the most important factor in the effectiveness of pastors, staff and ministry leaders. Outside of the Gospel, the most important factor in the effectiveness of a church is the health of the church. Health trumps all.
Healthy Leaders
Habit #6
Healthy Leaders Engage in Self-Care and Sabbath.
Self-care is essential to healthy leadership. Sabbath is an essential part of self-care.
The biggest violators of sabbath are those who work in ministry.
Sabbath is a matter of obedience.
God rested on the 7th day. Jesus honored the sabbath, rested and took time away to pray. Sabbath made the top ten list of commands. Sabbath is a matter of obedience. Sabbath is a rhythm of rest (one every seven) where we rely on God and realize that we depend on God. God does not depend on us.
Sabbath is where we take a day (24 hours) to avoiding doing our regular vocational work, connect with God and do only those things that give us life. It is a time to disconnect from the busyness and noise of the world and reconnect with God. It is a time to step away from email, messages and devices.
Sabbath is a part of self-care, but it is not the only part of self-care. Leaders must proactively and intentional establish rhythms, routines and practices around self-care. Self-care includes taking care of your spiritual, physical and emotional health. It includes regular physical activity, healthy habits and sleep. Self-care means practicing the spiritual disciplines outside that which is part of your work. Self-care includes engaging with counseling and activities that bring you joy and rest.
Sabbath and self-care are essential parts of leadership and discipleship.
Sabbath is not a suggestion, it is a command.
Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Carlson, Executive Director
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