If ministry had a golden calf, it would be one word: Busyness.
How easy is it to neglect the health of our souls in the name of shepherding the souls of others? Been there before? We move from one task to another, "crushing it" for the Kingdom. Doing, doing, doing for God like it's our job. But before we know it, we are spiritually, emotionally, and physically drained, burnt out, and most unhealthy versions of ourselves.
Soul care is about intentionally making ourselves present: present with God, present with ourselves, and present with others.
The problem is that we are often too busy to be truly present. A soul care retreat offers space to step away and refocus on God, (who longs for your attention), on yourself (to honestly assess your well-being), and on others (to serve them from a place of wholeness).
Yet, too often, we are consumed by the demands of "doing ministry."
The Dangers of Busyness
In his book, Crazy Busy, Kevin DeYoung outlines three dangers of constant busyness:
#1 Busyness Can Ruin Our Joy
When we are always on the go, we lose the ability to delight in the present. We miss the beauty of God's daily mercies and become numb to joy.
#2 Busyness Can Rob Our Hearts
Our constant distractions pull our affections away from Christ. We become consumed with productivity, losing sight of the true source of life and peace.
#3 Busyness Can Cover Up the Rot in Our Souls
Sometimes, we keep ourselves busy as a way to avoid deeper heart issues. We ignore our spiritual dryness and relational struggles by filling every moment with work.
The Bible calls us to both work and rest. Hard work is praised in Scripture (Prov. 6:6-11; Matt. 25:14-20; 1 Thess. 2:9; 4:11-12; 2 Thess. 3:10), but so is rest (Ex. 20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-15; Ps. 127:2). The challenge is learning when to prioritize each. Too often, we fall short in the name of "doing ministry for God."
Jesus Modeled Work, Rest, and Boundaries
Please go read Luke 4:38-44. This text gives us a powerful glimpse into how Jesus prioritized both work and rest, and practiced boundaries.
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Verses 38-41: Jesus worked hard in ministry by healing, teaching, and caring for people with excellence.
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Verse 42: Even with more work to be done, Jesus withdrew to rest and pray.Verses
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43-44: Jesus was willing to "disappoint" people if it meant staying focused on His Father's calling.
In his book, DeYoung reminds us that, "Jesus didn't meet every need. He left people waiting in line to be healed. He left one town to preach to another. He hid away to pray. He got tired. He never interacted with the vast majority of people on the planet. He spent thirty years in training and only three years in ministry. He did not try to do it all. And yet, He did everything God asked Him to do."
If Jesus-the Son of God-prioritized rest, solitude, and healthy boundaries, how much more should we? How much of a savior do we think we are that we are unwilling to pause from our work?
Why Retreat and Rest Matter
Self-Care Is Not Selfish
Ministry leaders often feel guilty resting, but soul care sustains us. It allows us to serve from a place of presence and fullness, not burnout.
You Are Responsible for Your Own Soul
No one else can nurture your soul for you. Just as physical health requires intentionality, so does spiritual and emotional well-being.
Ego Can Drive Ministry
Believing ministry can't continue without us is a lie. God is sovereign; He doesn't need us but graciously invites us to join His work.
You Give Space for Maintenance & Repair
It is easy to ignore the "dashboard" warning signs while you are on-the-go. To retreat means you get to tend to things such as past wounds, emotional drain, relational distance, spiritual intimacy, acts of delight etc.
Rest and Retreat Are Acts of Worship and Submission
Stepping away shows trust. Resting acknowledges God is control not us. It's an act of submission, letting Him refresh and reorient us.
The Sacred Work of Rest: Stepping Back to Move Forward
Intentional soul care is not a luxury-it's a necessity.
If we want longevity in ministry, we must care for our hearts as diligently as we care for others. Retreat, knowing that God is at work even in our rest.
You are not that important to always be working.
Your healthy and holy presence with God, yourself, and others is way too important for you to always be busy.
Stop burning the candle on both ends.
Get off your ministry work pedestal, and rest.
My Invitation
If you're looking for a structured opportunity to invest in your soul, consider attending the Exhort Soul Care Retreat hosted by E3 Ministries. This annual retreat, designed for youth workers, takes place in the beautiful setting of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on the first Monday-Wednesday of February. It's a time to rest, reconnect with God, and build life-giving relationships with others in ministry. If you'd like more information, I would love to personally invite you and answer any questions you may have.
