3 Keys to Finding Work-Life Balance in Ministry

You know that “work-life balance” everyone talks about? I don’t think it exists. Of course, pastors and church leaders should strive for balance between their professional and personal lives, but I don’t think it can be scheduled. Ministry is a 24/7 job. Balance is organic and unpredictable; it’s not an appointment on your calendar.

I am reminded of the hectic week leading up to Easter when I was leading a church. I used to regularly take a full week off after Easter in an attempt to create a work-life balance, but it was a huge mistake to make as a church leader. I failed to recognize that the Sunday after Easter is the most likely time Easter visitors would attend church again. By trying to control balance, I was missing out on a valuable opportunity to engage new attendees.

I’ve learned that there are seasons for everything: growth, rest, change, consistency, etc. More importantly, I’ve learned that I have no control over when these seasons begin and end. The key is to trust that God will faithfully guide you from one to another.

Here are some ideas to find—not create—balance.

1. Learn your rhythm.

Self-awareness is essential to discovering balance. You need to identify the ebb and flow of your daily routine. For instance, I’ve learned that I have certain times of the day when I’m at peak performance and plan accordingly what I should tackle during those times.

What are your times of high energy? How can you be intentionally productive during those times?

2. Prioritize “me time.”

The best thing church leaders can do for themselves and their church is to spend time alone, whether in prayer, contemplation or the Word. If I miss my time to focus spiritually, physically and mentally, the rest of the day almost always goes south. While this “me time” could look different for everyone, my tried-and-true method is waking up earlier than my responsibilities do and preparing for the day.

3. Learn your church’s rhythm.

Our organization has been in high-growth mode for over seven years, so looking for a break is tricky. I’ve learned that the time between Christmas and New Year’s is particularly slow for us. I know I’ll have downtime with my family then, and my staff can also regroup and refocus for the year.

When is your church’s “week after Christmas”? Knowing you have a slower season ahead will help you get through the busier ones.

When an opportunity presents itself, will you act? What if it occurs during your scheduled time off? Finding a way to push through the busy seasons and understanding your church’s rhythms may be the difference-maker in your growth as a leader.

Read more from William Vanderbloemen »

William Vanderbloemen is the president and CEO of The Vanderbloemen Search Group.

William Vanderbloemen
William Vanderbloemen

William Vanderbloemen (@WVanderbloemen) is the president and CEO of The Vanderbloemen Search Group and the co-author (with Warren Bird) of Next: Pastoral Succession That Works. He holds degrees from Wake Forest University and Princeton Theological Seminary.

Ohio Church Makeover

This move would not only give them room to grow, but also would enable them to do a lot more to fulfill their mission of being a church focused on “building the kingdom, one life at a time.”

How Much Tech Do You Actually Need?

Because you cannot do this alone, you are going to have to trust the right individuals who know more about tech than you do. Your calling is to shepherd. Do that.

Gene Appel: Do Less Ministry; Reach More People

None of the programs at our church were bad in and of themselves. The volume of it just prevented us from being focused on building relationships with those who are far from God. So, we had to do less ministry to reach more people. It sounds funny, but people had to be trained in how to do life with nonbelievers or people spiritually disinterested.