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:
Schedule it well in advance. For example, I plan next year’s vacation time in October, when I’m planning my preaching calendar.
Be aware of the three types of vacations:
- Mini-vacation: Lasts two to three days, and is normally planned after a pressured season of ministry. I usually schedule mine after Easter. It generally runs from a Thursday through Monday. It can involve travel, or it can be a “stay-cation.”
- Regular vacation: Lasts one or two weeks, which you take off around the same time each year. You should build consistency with this dedicated time. It acts as an anchor in your calendar.
- Extended vacation: After ten years, you should consider taking a month off. This may coincide with a study break or a special anniversary. It’s reserved for certain seasons or celebrations.
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. (For more information about rest and the Sabbath, check out my resource The Power of the Sabbath.)
Remember that it’s about 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.
Prepare for your vacation to ensure it’s a true vacation. Nothing will frustrate you and your family more than if your vacation gets cut short or you’re unable to take it because of lack of preparation. Make sure that your church is covered for when you’re away.
Make worship a center of your vacation. Whether or not you attend church when you’re on vacation – either is okay – make sure that you continue to pray with your family. Include regular devotional time with your family, so you can grow closer together spiritually and relationally.
Beware of the “false vacation.” This may be a vacation that’s tied to a denominational meeting, or to visiting extended family, where the focus isn’t on a time of rest and recreation with your immediate family.
Your partner in ministry,
Nelson
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