Pastors should view sleep differently than the average person. For us, sleep is not the end of today; it is vital preparation for what God has in store for us tomorrow.

Here are five diagnostic questions to ask yourself:

1.  How much sleep do I need? The average ideal goal is seven to eight hours each night. You need to find the optimum number for you.

2.  Am I waking up without an alarm? Go to bed 15 minutes earlier each month until you reach this goal.

3.  Am I able to go to sleep within 30 minutes of lying down? Write down your worries and give them to God instead of bringing them into your bed.

4.  Am I waking rested and pain-free? If you’re not feeling pain-free, you need to look at your sleep position, the right pillows and even investing in a better mattress!

5.  Am I dozing during the day? This may be an indication of a more serious problem, like sleep apnea, so be sure to talk to your doctor.

Sometimes the best thing you can do to accomplish more is to rest. On occasion, we all need what I call “The Big Sleep”. Go to bed and sleep for a full 12 hours. You can’t do this nightly, but two or three times a year this can be a powerful tool for you.

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.