3 lessons for balancing personal and ministry life

Eric Daniel July 22, 2024

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Finding a healthy work-life balance requires constant adjustment, particularly within a ministry context where new pressures and expectations continually arise. Historically, ministry duties involved visiting the sick and teaching the Scriptures.

Now, expectations upon ministers have expanded, fueled partially by the extensive programs and services offered by some mega-churches, as well as the spirit of comparison fostered by social media. As the world has become more connected, demands upon churches and ministry leaders' time have increased.

I recall the moment of epiphany 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 temporary. Once found, it is not long before life's dynamics shift, necessitating further adjustments.

During her workout, she had stood on one foot, observing her ankle closely. She noted numerous small muscles that were continuously adjusting to maintain her balance. True equilibrium is fleeting; she felt her feet moving within her shoes, and her entire body engaging in the act of holding steady.

Lesson 1: Learn to make continual adjustments.

We maintain holistic health by reflecting regularly on our current work-life balance and making shifts when necessary. Striving for a static work-life balance is chasing after a myth.

Lesson 2: 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 better, I set a daily appointment unrelated to work, such as meeting a friend at the gym. Treating it like a work appointment makes it non-negotiable. This practice taught me that leaving work "unfinished" is often acceptable and that tasks could be resumed the next day.

Lesson 3: Choose to cheat.

Andy Stanley's book by this title offers valuable insight into this principle. Achieving balance involves constant adjustments. Sometimes, you "cheat" your family or health for work demands, but it is essential to "reverse cheat"—deliberately prioritizing family time or rest over work.

Jesus exemplified this notion when He withdrew early in the morning to pray, despite ministry demands (Mark 1:35). His time alone with God was so engrossing 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.

Similarly, ministry leaders need to prioritize a balanced life over their relentless work demands. If our Master was not bothered when his disciples came looking, then we should likewise designate time to relax, even when the phone is ringing, and pressure is building. Take time for yourself, your family, and to rest. Heeding the wisdom, "There is always more good labor to be done, but we must preface it with time to be replenished." (Eccl. 3:13, Paraphrased)

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Eric Daniel is passionate about empowering others to grow in their Spiritual Leadership. He founded Global Ministry Advance in 2023, a coaching organization, for the purpose of assisting ministers, missionaries and Christian organizations in the development of goals and strategies for greater health. Eric became Senior Pastor of Hillside Church in Napa, CA in 2002, and also serves as an Executive Presbyter for the Northern California and Nevada District Council of the Assemblies of God. Learn More »

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