Summer can feel like a ministry leader’s identity crisis.
If you're not running VBS, leading a mission trip, or fielding emails from frantic parents—are you even doing ministry?
Let me just say it plainly:
Slower ministry doesn’t mean you’re slacking.
It might actually mean you’re being faithful.
When the calendar eases up, it’s tempting to fill every blank space—or to collapse in exhaustion. But there’s a better way: recharge with purpose.
This is the time to rest, reflect, and refuel—not just for your ministry, but for your soul.
THE TIME I TURNED OFF MY PHONE ON VACATION
A few years ago, I decided to fully unplug on my summer vacation.
Before smartphones, this was easy. No email in your pocket. No group texts from staff. If someone needed you, they left a voicemail—or they waited.
But now? Disconnecting takes intentionality. It takes planning. And for me, it took accountability from my family.
Before vacation, I made sure to:
-
Communicate clearly with my team and parish
-
Set up systems for who to contact in my absence
-
Let people know I would be completely unavailable—and stuck to it
The result? I actually rested.
I went on adventures with my family. I found new things that refueled and re-centered me. It wasn’t just time off—it was time well spent.
When I came back, I would be welcomed with a wave of responsibilities, but it was okay because I felt ready.
That’s the power of purposeful rest.
Here are some ways to recharge this summer—without guilt, and with intention:
1. READ SOMETHING THAT FILLS YOU UP
Not just leadership books (though those are great), but stories, Scripture, or even something totally unrelated to ministry.
- A spiritual classic
- A novel you’ve been putting off
- A Gospel—slowly, with a journal
- Or something just for fun
Sometimes the best ministry ideas come from reading outside your usual world.
2. REFLECT WITH INTENTION
Slowing down is a gift—if you use it to listen.
One thing I started doing in the summer was journaling more consistently. Just a few minutes each morning gave me clarity on:
Reflection doesn’t require a silent retreat. Just a notebook, a pen, and a little breathing room.
3. MEET WITH PEOPLE WHO HELP YOU DREAM
Summer gave me the margin to meet with people who helped me think big.
But, one person who helped me was my coach Joanne. We would meet weekly, and she would help me process what was going through my mind. Joanne wasn't a paid coach, just a parishioner who had managerial and leadership experience, committed to helping me grow.
When it comes to finding people to help you dream, you don't need a high executive coach, and you don’t need a full-blown coaching plan—just a few conversations with people who help you dream, not just solve problems.
4. REST LIKE IT MATTERS (BECAUSE IT DOES)
Rest isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And in ministry, rest takes planning. If you want to truly disconnect, here’s what helped me:
-
Set your out-of-office message with clear directions
-
Let key leaders know who to contact while you’re gone
-
Leave your email off your phone
-
Tell your family or friends: “Call me out if I reach for it”
You were not created to be “on” 24/7.
Jesus napped. God rested. You can too.
What’s one way you can grow personally this summer, even if your ministry is quiet?
Slower seasons aren’t wasted. They’re sacred.
Use this summer to breathe, become more whole, and come back sharper—not just for your ministry, but for your life.
Rest is part of the rhythm. Growth is part of the calling. And sometimes the most faithful thing you can do… is unplug.