As pastors, we live in a constant state of availability. The needs of the congregation, the demands of ministry, and the weight of spiritual leadership often create an unsustainable rhythm. Somewhere along the way, many of us developed an internal resistance to taking a break—and even greater hesitation to admit it when we do.
I’ll be honest: I’ve often been afraid to tell people I’m on a break. There’s an underlying fear that taking time off will be seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of commitment to the church. There’s a subtle pressure to be constantly available, to meet the expectations of others, and to keep pushing even when my spirit is depleted.
But we have to challenge this mindset.
Jesus modeled rest for us. Throughout the Gospels, we see moments when He withdrew from the crowds to be alone with His Father. In Luke 5:16, it says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If the Son of God needed time away to refresh His soul and commune with God, how much more do we?
What I’ve learned is that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Without it, we become dry, worn out, and less effective in our calling. Our ability to hear God, serve others, and lead with clarity and compassion diminishes when we neglect our own well-being.
Yet, there’s still this tension of how to communicate that need for rest. Pastors can feel guilty for stepping away, as if our absence will cause everything to fall apart. But here’s the truth: our value is not found in our busyness or how available we are, but in how faithfully we steward our hearts before God.
We have to normalize the conversation around rest. We need to create environments in our churches where rest is seen as responsible, not as an indulgence. As pastors, when we model healthy boundaries, we give our congregations permission to do the same. We remind them that even in our breaks, God is still working.
So, here’s my confession: I’m taking a break. And I’m not ashamed to say it.
In fact, I believe it’s one of the most spiritually responsible things I can do for myself, my family, and my church. Rest allows me to return refreshed, with renewed vision and energy to lead well. It reaffirms my trust that God is the one who sustains the ministry, not me.
If you’re reading this and feeling the same tension, let me encourage you: don’t be afraid to tell people you’re on a break. Normalize rest in your life and in your leadership. It’s a powerful act of trust in the God who created the Sabbath for our good.
Let’s embrace the rhythm of rest He intended for us.
Signing off from Aspen!
Pastor Jacob Biswell
