Like most pastors, you may struggle when it comes to planning your time away. In my early years of church planting, when I was bivocational, I was greatly challenged in this area until I discovered the power of taking some extended time off.

Though the word “vacation” is not found in the Bible, there’s nothing unspiritual about taking a vacation. Even Charles Spurgeon is known for talking about how they’ve nourished his soul and prepared him for his next season of ministry.

In fact, the greater the demands of ministry, the greater your need to pull away. Here are some strategies you should consider as a pastor when planning your next vacation:

1. Schedule it well in advance. For example, I plan next year’s vacation time in October, when I’m planning my preaching calendar.
2. Don’t be worn out when you head on vacation. If you are, this means you’re probably violating the Sabbath or have poor weekly management skills. Rest can be part of your agenda, but if you’re so exhausted that you can’t enjoy it, you haven’t managed your time leading up to vacation.
3. Remember that it’s not just about rest, but also recreation and recalibration.
   Recreation: Something that fills you. Keep in mind that you’re taking this vacation for your family, so that you can spend time with them. You’re making memories with them, so that when you’re older you can reflect on them.
   Recalibration: Preparing for that next season of ministry. Your stage of life impacts this.

Tune in next week for additional helpful strategies.

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.