Stop pretending you can Pastor Without Sabbath

If you’re a senior pastor of a small church here in Spokane, or anywhere in rural America, and you’re not practicing Sabbath, you’re making a serious mistake.

I’m not talking about grabbing a few hours here and there, or taking a day off “when you can.” I’m talking about the biblical Sabbath—a deliberate, weekly rhythm where you stop, delight, and rest in God.

In his powerful book Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World, A.J. Swoboda writes:

“Sabbath is a scheduled weekly reminder that we are not what we do; rather, we are who we are loved by.”

Pastor, if you ignore Sabbath, you are doing ministry on borrowed time. You’re sending the message to yourself and to your congregation that the work of the church is more important than the presence of God. That is not the example you’ve been called to set.

Why This Matters for Small-Church Pastors

Small churches demand a lot. You wear every hat preacher, counselor, administrator, janitor and Sabbath keeps you from burning out.

Your pace becomes their pace. If you never rest, your people will think rest is unspiritual.

Without Sabbath, ministry becomes mechanical. You risk losing your sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading.

How Life Coaching and Spiritual Direction Can Help

I work with pastors across Spokane and rural America who’ve been running at full tilt for years until the tank runs dry. Through Life Coaching, we identify the patterns and pressures that keep you from resting. Through Spiritual Direction, we help you hear God’s voice more clearly, re-center in His presence, and recover the joy of ministry.

Pastor, if you’ve neglected Sabbath, it’s time to stop pretending you can keep going without it. Let’s talk about your schedule, your calling, and how you can step into the life-giving rhythm God intended for you.

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