Balancing Personal and Ministry Life
Finding a healthy work-life balance requires constant adjustment, particularly within a ministry
context where new pressures and expectations continually arise.
Historically, ministry expectations involved visiting the sick in the neighborhood and teaching Scriptures.
However, these expectations have expanded for various reasons, including the advent of mega-churches
with their extensive programs and services, and the spirit of comparison fueled by social media.
As the world has become more connected, expectations on churches and ministry leaders have
increased.
I recall when my wife returned from the gym, reflecting on work-life balance as a mother of three young children.
Her revelation was profound: "It takes constant adjustment!" Achieving
balance is momentary. Once found, life's dynamics shift, necessitating further adjustments.
During her workout, she stood on one foot, observing her ankle. To her surprise, numerous
small muscles were in continuous adjustment to maintain balance. True balance is fleeting; she
felt her feet moving within her shoes, and her entire body engaged in the act of balancing.
LESSON ONE: LEARN TO MAKE CONTINUAL ADJUSTMENTS
We maintain emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health by reflecting on our current
work-life balance and making shifts when necessary. Striving for a static work-life balance is
misguided. Pastoral coaching, including executive pastor coaching and lifestyle coaching, can
help ministry leaders recognize and implement these necessary adjustments to maintain balance
and organizational health.
LESSON TWO: CREATE DEFINITIVE ENDPOINTS TO YOUR DAY AND WEEK
Ministry work often lacks clear completion points. Every email sent generates multiple replies.
With people as the product, and their lives always in process, it's challenging to discern a finish
line. Sunday services come every seven days without fail, demanding consistent preparation.
To manage this, I set a daily appointment unrelated to work, such as meeting a friend at the
gym. Treating it like a work appointment made it non-negotiable. This practice taught me that
leaving work unfinished is often acceptable and that tasks could resume the next day. Executive
pastor coaching can help establish these boundaries, ensuring that ministry leaders can
decompress and recharge effectively.
LESSON THREE: CHOOSE TO CHEAT
Andy Stanley's book by this title offers valuable insight into this principle. Like my wife's gym
discovery, achieving balance involves constant adjustments. Sometimes you might "cheat" your
family or health for work demands, but it is essential to reverse cheat—deliberately prioritizing
family time or rest over work soon.
Jesus exemplified this principle when He withdrew early in the morning to pray, despite the
ministry demands (Mark 1:35). His time alone with God was so fulfilling that His disciples
sought Him out, saying, "Where have you been? Everyone is looking for you." Jesus understood
the importance of balancing ministry work with personal time for reflection and communion
with God.
THE BIG PICTURE
On that note, ministry leaders should not hesitate to prioritize a balanced life over relentless work
demands. If our Master was not bothered when his disciples came looking, then we should
likewise relax when the phone starts ringing and pressure builds. Take time for yourself, your
family, and to rest. There is always work to do. Lifestyle coaching can provide personalized
strategies to help maintain this delicate balance and improve overall organizational health.
For more insights on balancing personal and ministry life, always feel free to reach out to GMA
Coaching.
