Congegational Care: Mark 6:31
We are familiar with the Great-Commission Jesus (Matthew 28:19), but not nearly as acquainted with the Take-A-Break Jesus (Mark 6:31). Consequently, Christians in general and clergy in particular know only a “half Jesus,” with the result that our models of ministry are stunted.
Congregations can take the initiative in recovering Whole Jesus ministry. With respect to clergy/family wellness, there are five key components.
First, study the Sabbath principle as a congregation. When we are strangers to it, we forget that sabbath-rest is rooted in the creation pattern, and from there it winds its way through Scripture and history. A congregational study lays a good foundation upon which to practice Mark 6:31 clergy care. Starting here, more than your pastor/family will benefit. I recommend Wayne Muller’s book, Sabbath; Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight.
Second, build into your pastor’s weekly schedule a daily mini-sabbath. Guide your pastor into a slower pace that is restorative. Let your pastor determine what this daily pattern means for him,/her/them. But see to it that a mini-sabbath is part of the schedule. A Canadian pastor I met wrote it into his calendar with the same sense of priority and devotion that he gave to other things. His practice, for example, was to spend time after lunch in a park near the church—just “being “
Third, guide your pastor into the practice of a weekly sabbath day. Sunday is not a pastor’s sabbath. [1] Your pastor should be encouraged to have one. To be clear: this is not your pastor’s day off. It is s care-giving congregation’s aim to create a five-day work week for their clergy. If I were pastoring, this would be a Sunday through Thursday pattern, with Friday and Saturday being a kind of “clergy weekend.” [2]
Fourth, an annual retreat. An extended time away (not part of vacation time) is especially important. It could be a private retreat, or it could be one in which your pastor joins with others in a renewal experience. Religious houses (monasteries and convents), retreat centers, state and national parks, etc. are places conducive for this. [3]
Fifth, a three-month sabbatical every three years. This 3x3 plan highlights the need for extended time away. By planning ahead, it is not only achievable; it’s also affordable. On the achievable side, preaching and pastoral care can be arranged using a variety of people. Retired clergy are a good source. But this is also a time for lay ministry to be tapped. There is no task (with the exception of the sacraments) that cannot be assumed by a layperson.
On the affordability side, for example, set aside $100 a month in a sabbatical fund. In three years it will grow to $3600. [4] Near the time for the sabbatical, take a special offering and add it to the fund amount. This fund (e.g. $5000) should have enough to cover guest preacher honoraria, and still give your pastor/family a nice amount to do something special while on sabbatical. [5[
Having described this sabbath pattern, there will be times when adjustments are necessary. But rather than “normalizing exceptions,” in an unrealistic 24/7 view of ministry, clergy should be encouraged and supported in developing the fourfold model this writing commends. Rest is restorative. You will have a better pastor if you have a healthy one
[1] Eugene Peterson explores this idea in his book, Working the Angles (Eerdmans,1987), 46-58.
[2] This schedule does not avoid providing ministry on Friday and Saturday as needed. There are a variety of ways to carry on. For example, A church with Stephen’s Ministers and/or certified lay ministers could be on call.
[3] If the retreat incurs a registration fee, your pastor may be able to request judicatorial support, or you might consider paying it.
[4] This would be an open fund to which interested people could contribute over the three-year period, so the fund would be larger than the regularly deposited amounts.
[5] Sometime in the three-month sabbatical, laity who own or have access to homes or time shares in the mountains, at the beach, etc could make their places available.