There was a useful article by Andrew Horton published on Premier Christianity’s website this week: Is the Church facing a cost-of-serving crisis?
His answer seems to be yes. It is very easy for churches to put out messages about all the things that need to be done and then to put on more events, to generate even more things to do. There is a high risk of people burning out or just staying away but that isn’t how the church script ought to run. More than any other group of people, we should know how to do what is important without losing our ability to enjoy God’s rest. I spoke on this myself a few months ago although I wouldn’t pretend that I solved the problem or don’t have to keep considering it both for myself and for what I put on others:
When we did that series, we also produced a weekly study guide, and you might want to ponder that week’s edition:
Readings: Matthew 11:28-30 / Isaiah 28:11-13
Jesus calls us to rest but he means more than doing nothing or finding ways to entertain ourselves. The Jews already had a long tradition of Sabbath rest, going back to Genesis chapter 1, but Jesus calls us to
rest in him.
- Think back over the past week. What things have kept you busy and what ways have you rested? If you look back over a longer period (years or even decades), has this pattern changed? If so, do you think
it has got better or worse? - What things could you choose to do that would help you to rest in Jesus? Many people would probably feel that they could do with more rest in him so is there a suggestion that you could work into your daily or weekly routine? It might help you to find someone to be accountable to about trying this.
- Many people around us feel stressed and worn out, so ‘rest’ is probably good news for them if they would stop and listen. How can we share that with them? How can we help each other be people who demonstrate rest and not stress?