Ministry places you on an emotional rollercoaster. At one moment you are preparing a sermon. Then someone interrupts you with a personal problem for which they seek counsel. On the same day, you may face a complaint about some trivial event, prepare for the baptism of an infant, plan for a youth retreat, and engage in an ecumenical response to some community event. Then you open the mail and read of some member’s complaint about something you have done or failed to do.
There are highs, lows, boredom, and continual demands. Is it any wonder that you feel emotionally drained at the end of a week. When you engage in this week after week, it takes its toll. The better a pastor you are, the heavier the toll.
Consider some practices that can provide you relief from emotional stress. It is important to identify a variety of strategies that fit into various time slots. It may be that you only have a few minutes and just need to learn how to breathe. Another time, in between hospital calls, you may need to avail yourself of fifteen minutes in the hospital chapel. There are times you need to give yourself permission to read a good book or take a walk. Sometimes knowing that you have a regularly scheduled appointment with a spiritual guide may get you through the day.
What have you found that works for you?
