Ministry involves a constant flow of activity. We prepare sermons. We deliver sermons. We organize events or programs. We facilitate meetings. We visit the sick. We counsel hurting people. We supervise staff. We review budgets. No matter the size or setting of the congregation, there is always something to do.
Work is good. Doing good work is even better. But Thomas Merton warns us about the shadow side to the non-stop activity we often use to define our significance to ourselves and to others. In “Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander,” Merton reflects:
“There is a pervasive form of modern violence to which the idealist…most easily succumbs: activism and over-work. The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence.”
It is true that some people are busy because their survival demands it. What Merton refers to, however, is not the busyness that stems from doing what is required to care for one’s family. He makes a specific reference to “the idealist.” This is the person who is changing the world, championing a cause or fighting the good fight.
That person, Merton writes, discovers that:
“The frenzy of the activist neutralizes his [or her] work…It destroys the fruitfulness of his [or her]…work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful.”
What makes your work fruitful? What makes your congregation’s work fruitful? To experience more of God’s inner wisdom, we need to resist the frenzy of overwork and embrace the gifts of silence and solitude. As you make plans for the work you want to accomplish, don’t forget to slow down enough for all to be well with your soul.
Resources
Self-care is different from self-comfort
Modern understandings of self-care often focus on temporary fixes, not long-term wholeness, says a psychologist.
By Jessica Young Brown
Caring for others’ spirituality starts with cultivating your own
Caregivers must be able to recognize the image of God within themselves in order to care for it within others.
Q&A with Holly Oxhandler
How can congregations help Black clergywomen flourish?
Intentional self-care, a church’s ethos of care and congregational openness to new approaches are notable factors that contribute to the thriving of Black clergywomen, a researcher has found.
By Alexis Carter Thomas
Contemplation, relationships, emotional maturity and self-care are key to pastoral thriving
Theological training doesn’t offer ministers everything they need to flourish. Pastoral peer groups that develop additional competencies can fill the gap.
By Mike Cope
A move to part-time clergy sparks innovation in congregations
Although church leaders often worry that switching from full-time to part-time clergy will lead to decline, congregations across the country are finding new vitality by reimagining the roles of clergy and laypeople.
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald
Before you go…
Years ago, when I first came across Merton’s words on the violence of busyness, I felt convicted. Today, I know it requires vigilance to avoid being swept up by the diversions that distract us from the practices that ground us in the wisdom, beauty and love of God. Whether it’s the electronic notifications that keep us tethered to our devices or the need to say “yes” to one more request, Merton was right to use the word “frenzy.”
What I’ve discovered is that I have more control over the distractions than I had realized. And if you make small choices each day that give your mind, body and soul time to be still, you do, too. As Henri Nouwen points out, “Without solitude it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life.”
Nouwen goes on to say, “We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with God and listen to [God].” How might you and your parishioners put this into practice?
You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!
Prince Rivers
Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity