Rest is the most critical contributing factor in whether ministries and leaders can stay the course, and avoid burnout.
Ministry sustainability is one of our top values, even more than fundraising! This is why we are huge advocates for practicing a rhythm of Sabbath, encouraging regular retreats, and even considering a sabbatical when needed!
Sabbath may be new to you, and if it is, you’re not alone.
Practicing the Sabbath principle has been largely lost in Christianity. Even so, it’s a key part of following the way of Jesus. At its most simple, Sabbath is a day meant for rest and worshiping God. What’s beautiful about this definition is how freely it allows each of us to pursue those two things in ways that are meaningful and unique to our personalities.
We strongly believe in taking one day a week as your Sabbath – a day to not have an agenda, to not do anything productive, and to find ways that allow you to delight in God.
For more teaching on Sabbath and practical ways to start incorporating this practice into your own life, we highly recommend these resources:
It can be hard to take a break from ministry. But taking a longer pause than your regular Sabbath is hugely valuable.
We recommend finding a way several times a year (ideally once a quarter) to go away for a few days. Intentionally rest and recharge. This isn’t meant to be a working retreat, but rather an extended Sabbath. It’s where you’ll do things that breathe life back into your spirit and soul.
How this looks is up to you and what’s reasonable for your budget and current life season. Sometimes it looks like a full-blown vacation, taking a week to go somewhere special and relaxing. Other times it looks more like getting away for a weekend as economically as possible (camping, staying with friends, cooking your own meals, etc.). But the point is choosing a place you can unplug, rest, and come home recharged.
Consider proactively setting aside money each month to use for these retreats and prioritize them in their budget.
For help planning your next retreat, connect with Tiffany Bird! She offers spiritual direction and coaching to clients in person in Franklin, TN, or virtually around the globe. Click Here to read more about Tiffany.
There are times when it becomes important to take an extended break from ministry.
Our hope is that nobody ever reaches a place of burnout where they “need” this kind of break. We are also 100% for taking a sabbatical if it is what’s needed to be healthy.
Whenever one of our partners finds themselves needing to take a sabbatical, we want to have an open conversation. This way we can discuss how to make that happen and how to best care for them through the process. Take the time to talk to a trusted mentor, your partners, or board members when considering a sabbatical.
If a true sabbatical is needed, it should look different than a furlough.
We differentiate between taking a furlough and taking a sabbatical. A furlough is typically a time when a long-term, overseas missionary comes home for a few months. It’s usually for the purpose of fundraising, seeing family, and reconnecting with friends. While a furlough certainly can include fun things, many of those elements also can have draining components.
Our Vision is to empower Kingdom leaders to accomplish their God-given vision.
Whether it’s structuring your budget for regular retreats or planning a sabbatical, The Cause wants to support you in and outside your ministry. We provide nonprofit structure, spiritual support, and strategic coaching, to Christian leaders who serve the under-served worldwide. If you are needing help with the logistics or simply need a partner to come alongside you as you navigate your next ministry projects, consider partnering with The Cause!
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