Dr. Carmen Imes, Rev. Raymond Chang, Rev. Rici Skei, and Dr. Dennis Edwards explore how pastors and ministry leaders can practice Sabbath rest even when taking a full sabbatical isn’t realistic. They begin by grounding Sabbath in Scripture and Christian tradition, asserting that rest is woven into God’s design for human flourishing—not a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable ministry.
Dr. Imes and Rev. Chang speak to the unique pressures that pastoral leaders face: incessant demands from congregations, institutional expectations, and a culture that equates productivity with worth. They argue these pressures often cultivate burnout, making Sabbath an afterthought rather than a present practice.
Rev. Skei and Dr. Edwards then lead into the practical: embedding Sabbath into weekly life, establishing boundaries, forming spiritual practices, and fostering accountability among leadership teams and congregations. Their hope is that pastors will not wait for a sabbatical but reclaim Sabbath in the everyday—so that rest becomes resistance, sustaining longevity and faithfulness in ministry.
Timestamps
- Theological foundation of Sabbath 1:45
- Pastoral pressures & expectations 8:30
- Embedding Sabbath in daily rhythms 15:20
- Boundaries & spiritual disciplines 22:10
- Practical strategies for leaders & congregations 28:45
- Rest as resistance to overwork 34:15
- Closing exhortation to begin Sabbath practices now 38:00
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