We live in a culture addicted to hurry, and that pace can be felt even more for youth pastors and church leaders. There is not enough time or energy to get it all done. And if we are not careful, we can easily find ourselves facing burnout.
“Breaking nine of the ten commandments will get pastors fired, but breaking a specific one (working on the Sabbath) will get them a raise.” As all good comedy does, this joke hits at something sad but true. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
I encourage all Jesus-followers who desire holistic wellness to practice Sabbath, especially those in pastoral roles. It can be challenging for those in ministry because we often spend Sundays helping other people have a Sabbath day. If that’s you, then here are 3 Sabbath Tips and Ideas to consider:
1.REST INTENTIONALLY
The most literal definition of Sabbath is rest. Stop working. Put your job away for a whole day. Sabbath is restful, but not aimless. If you work and do ministry on Sundays, pick a different day. Go into the week with a plan and clarify what your timeframe will be for Sabbath.
For example, I practice Sabbath from dinner on Thursday to dinner on Friday, and the intentionality is beneficial. I keep screens off because I have found them to be stimulating but not fulfilling. I’m not opposed to Facetime calls with family, but I do keep my phone in its “sabbath spot” so I don’t take it to the couch and get lost doomscrolling.
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.” -Exodus 20:9-10a (NLT)
2.WORSHIP AS A HOUSEHOLD
Worshipping God is the primary motivation for Sabbath. Worship differentiates a Sabbath day from a mere day off. However, God is calling you to draw close to Him; therefore make worship part of your Sabbath.
For example, I’ve learned to include my family in practicing Sabbath. As a married man raising three young kids, my wife and I wrestled with how to do this together. We had to identify how our family would commit to resting and worshipping. We use meal times with our kids to worship God through reinforcing what they are learning on Sundays. Their class handouts are helpful in giving us resources without having to come up with our own curriculum. It’s fun to reflect on how much we have grown.
In addition to worship, other spiritual disciplines to focus on during your Sabbath may include: prayer, confession, adoration, intercession, personal reflection, meditation, fasting, giving, reading the Bible, solitude, being still, sharing a meal, going for a walk in nature, journaling about what God has been teaching you, or celebrating the things God has done recently.
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” -Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV)
3.DELIGHT IN THE PRESENT MOMENT
Sabbath is joyful as we take part in recreation. Do what really fills you up for Sabbath. Do things that are life-giving and that promote personal renewal. In addition to stopping our work and worshipping God, here are a few examples of things that can fill up your cup: nap, read, workout, play games with your family, pick up a hobby, go to the park, take a walk/hike, be with life-giving people, pray with friends, and listen to uplifting music. Everyone’s different, so pursue things that feed your soul and learn to delight in the present moment.
Sabbath doesn’t mean I get out of changing diapers. But the wonder of Sabbath is seeing God shape my heart in a way that transforms messy chores into serving opportunities in which to give an enthusiastic “Yes!”
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
FINAL THOUGHT
One of the Lead222 principles for Soul Care is: “Creating healthy rhythms of rest, renewal, and reflection energizes your soul and frees you to work from a place of rest rather than working until you require rest.” This is what God has given me through practicing Sabbath.
PRO TIP:
No one will own healthy rhythms for you. This is something that you must fight for. Healthier rhythms are possible, and it’s totally worth it.
SABBATH RESOURCES
Bible Project
Practicing the Way
•The Sabbath Practice
VIDEO RESOURCE:
Right Now Media: Soul Care Series by Jason Perkins. Watch the trailer below.
Check Out the Related PODCAST!
EPISODE #4: SOUL CARE & YOUTH MINISTRY WISDOM w/BETSY
EPISODE #40: SOUL CARE (LEAD A HEALTHY LIFE, FAMILY, & MINISTRY) w/ TOBY
NOTE: All of these tools are merely provided as a resource and should be vetted by each ministry and adapted for your ministry context. They do not represent LEAD222, but have been carefully selected as top resources for youth ministry.
Authors: Drew Litwiller with Larry Ely (Lead222 Coaches) • Original Post: March 2026
Bible References: NLT by Tyndale House Publishers, NIV by Biblica, Inc.
Logos: © Bible Project, Practicing the Way
Hey Lead222 Community! We have some great speakers & videos lined up for our Summer Training. We asked our STAFF to PICK some of their FAVORITE teachers, trainers, and thought leaders to help enhance your youth ministry and your leadership. Check it out…