Sabbath Practices for People Busy in Ministry
If you’ve ever felt like sabbath is completely unattainable, this article is for you. You’re definitely not alone. I spent a long time believing Sabbath wasn’t for me—though I wished it could be.
When I first wrote about spiritual disciplines in busy seasons, I had included sabbath practices as one heading—but I quickly realized it needed its own post. Because if you’re busy with ministry, sabbath is often the first to go and one of the hardest things to reclaim.
Sabbath is not a reward for productivity or a perk for the spiritually elite.
It’s a core rhythm God gave everyone.
As a Millennial mom and woman in ministry, I can fall into the trap of trying to measure up to all kinds of unreasonable (and usually self-imposed) expectations:
to manage my house like a professional organizer
to spend time with God like a nun
to engage in the community like a college student
to plan family activities like a cruise ship director
to hustle like a business startup CEO
I could go on.
No matter the day of the week, it can feel hard to switch “off,” because I could always do more, do better, and learn more.
But, sadly, I’m only human. Constantly attending to everything makes my mind feel like a web browser with dozens of open tabs all playing music at the same time.
At my worst, I began to think sabbath practices and “deep work” were luxuries for people with assistants or the unconcerned Marys of the world. I thought I had more hustle and grit than that.
But I was wrong. Sadly, it took some crippling burnout to learn that thinking was mostly pride.
Finding space for Sabbath rest can feel like more work than just continuing to plow through—especially when my thoughts pressure me to be superhuman.
But sabbath is not a reward for productivity or a perk for the spiritually elite. It’s a core rhythm God gave everyone—including tired moms and ministers—for restoration and realignment.
Sabbath is not just a luxury. It was established for our good. Sabbath is the necessary reminder to us and to those we serve that we are not God.
Sure, spiritual disciplines will look different in different seasons. Just because sabbath looked different than when I was single, barely employed, or working as a missionary in a slow-paced developing country doesn’t mean it isn’t still attainable.
Here are some helpful shifts I’ve found to practice Sabbath in busy, all-encompassing seasons:
Plan ahead. Make sabbath a priority, and schedule it in your weekly rhythms. Get creative to find what works best. My husband and I are currently trying a 4 pm Friday - 4 pm Saturday sabbath. We’ve also tried sabbathing on separate days.
Create a “Not To-Do” List for Sabbath. Sabbath isn’t just something you do—it’s also about what you don’t do. A large part of that for me is communicating with my family when I’m sabbathing and how—no social media, no dishes, no guilt.
Simplify unavoidable tasks (and expectations). For everything you can’t not do, simplify. Embrace short devotionals. Order food. We observe “charcuterie Sundays,” by throwing all the meats, cheeses, and random leftovers onto the table for meals. Somehow, naming it makes it feel fun and *fancy.*
Get in the mode. When it’s time for focused prayer and Scripture reading, find a “ritual” that helps your mind settle from “Martha mode” to “Mary mode.” Light a candle. Sit in the same chair. Throw an apron over your head to signify to yourself and others that this is your intentional time with God.
Intentionally move more slowly. If you’re prone to jogging from one thing to the next (literally or metaphorically), physically slow down for one day. Drive the speed limit—just not in the left lane. Stop toe-tapping. Create more buffer between activities and slow down.
Limit tech (even a little). Limiting technology for one day can help close some of those mental “tabs” you have running. Turn off notifications. Leave your phone in another room. iPhone users can set a “sabbath” focus mode on their phone, which will also notify others that they’re unavailable. Email me if you want step-by-step instructions.
Delight and worship. As you’ve pared down, begin noticing the Spirit’s presence in your everyday life. Prayers and liturgies, like ones found in the Every Moment Holy or Liturgy of the Ordinary, can facilitate prayer in the everyday. Find ways to practice gratitude for and delight in the good gifts God has given.
What about you? Has sabbath been a struggle for you? What are some ways you find to sabbath well in the flow of ministry?
Questions to Get Started:
What spiritual disciplines do you need most in this season?
What day (or 24 hour window) could be your sabbath?
What would need to shift to make space for sabbath?
What would make sabbath feel worshipful and delightful rather than burdensome?
Who can support you in protecting sabbath practices?
Marie Burrus is a UBA Church Consultant and Communications Specialist. Her primary responsibilities are consulting on mission engagement and church communications. She also manages, edits, and contributes content for UBA's blog, website, and social media outlets.
