I love being a pastor. It is an awesome calling that I don’t take lightly. It can be quite a rush. Unfortunately, it can also be quite a drain. Emotional highs and lows come with the territory. Because of this, the most important person a pastor needs to lead is himself (or herself) – to be able to guide his spirit, emotions, body and mind down the ministry rollercoaster.
About a year and a half ago when I was inbetween pastorates, I went on a solitude retreat and did a lot of introspection about what I need to have a successful, balanced and sustainable life and ministry. I came up with the following list.
Self-Sustainability Plan
1. I need to get my weight down to 170 lbs and keep it there. (I am currently about 190!)
- I need to exercise 3 times a week.
- I need to develop a plan for healthy eating and sustain it.
2. I need to have a regularly scheduled devotional time every day.
3. I need to get up at 6 a.m. six days of the week.
4. I need to read at least one chapter a day and one book per month in something unrelated to my sermon preparation. I need to be focused & balanced in my reading selections, reading one of each of the following topics per year:
- Personal leadership development
- Personal spiritual formation and discipleship
- Communication (preaching)
- Church growth or related issues
- Current trends & pop culture
- Theology or ecclesiology
- Marriage
- Parenting
- Popular reading (NY Times bestsellers)
- A novel
5. I need to make one blog post per week.
6. I need to have at least one mini-date per week with Heidi and at least one regularly scheduled date with Heidi per month outside of the house.
7. We need to have at least 4 hours of family time per week.
8. I need to have at least one hour per week of one-on-one time with each of the boys and a 3 hour chunk with each once per month.
9. I need to get away alone for 24 hours once a month and for 72 hours once per quarter.
10. I need to attend at least one conference per year.
11. I need to get together at least once a month with friends/colleagues.
12. I need to do something fun for myself at least one per month.
13. We need to create a disciplined budget and stick to it!
As I look over this plan, I am not doing very well. It is no wonder my life feels so out of whack. I know what I need to do. Now I just need to do it. And I need the accountability, support and encouragement of those around me to help me be the healthiest, most-balanced, successful leader I can be.
