Transitioning Between Tasks In Ministry

Darlings, I found an old post that addresses one of the aspects of ministry I find particularly challenging in recent years, and especially since the Lord of Chaos took over the White House: http://www.peacebang.com/2007/09/24/transitions/

Let’s talk about this some more.
I know we have in the recent past but I know I can’t be the only one whose prayer life is steadily evolving from peaceful listening for God’s wisdom more to desperate petition to not spin out and lose my shit. My head burbles and bubbles with fear and worry and I don’t know if that is a function of having moved to an urban environment where I am not sheltered from the realities that were much more conceptual when I lived in the suburbs, or of age and diminishing mental and physical energy, or the rapid rise of fascism in America or WHAT.

Don’t try to answer that: I know it’s all of those things.

And I don’t feel totally desperate all the time, but I most certainly find that I cannot pivot swiftly between ministerial functions as I once did.

I cannot zip from a pastoral visit to administrative work. I work on worship (ALWAYS a joy, always a source of inspiration unless the Holy Spirit blows me off during sermon preparation) and then I just cannot shift gears to organize my board report. I get my thoughts together to meet with staff and then find myself mentally befuddled at the social justice organizing meeting an hour later.

The only thing I know to do about this is to get enough rest, have fair expectations of myself, carefully guard thinking and prayer time, and maybe eat more salmon? No, really, are there any brain foods or supplements that work for you? I used to hear a lot of good things about flax seed oil. I’m going to get some. I took it a long time ago and it certainly can’t hurt.

One thing that helps immensely is a good long walk in fresh air — two things I haven’t had much lately due to a bad season of health, a strained groin muscle (slipped on the ice), and Arctic temps.

Connecting with beloved and respected colleagues is hugely beneficial, too. And I’m talking about a select group of people whose judgment and wisdom and ministerial gifts I trust.

And — we don’t talk about this nearly often enough and it makes me crazy that we don’t — I am held steady by my lay leaders whose vision and courage and intelligence and humor help me to stay clear. We are doing a lot right now institutionally and they’re holding the road map firm and we’re all up front in the driver’s seat going, “Don’t miss that turn! Okay, let’s stop for snacks!”

I’d love to hear how you’re doing moving with grace (or not) between the many functions of the modern ministry. Got any hot tips?

3 Replies to “Transitioning Between Tasks In Ministry”

  1. Thank you for lifting this up. I think about it constantly, and find I have to be incredibly careful with my calendar so I have the time needed to switch between functions. Honestly, I’ve been wondering if something is wrong with me because I cannot swim back and forth between things. I’m also noting that I’m trying to leave more blank space on my calendar, to have more time for the random drop-in moments, and also to have more time to supervise/be present for our staff.

  2. I find boundary setting to be imperative for my well-being. There’s been a slew of deaths in the congregation and community, six since the first of January. This Saturday I have two funerals in one day then need to change gears for worship on Sunday. That means clearing my calendar between now and Saturday. Clearing anything non-essential and scheduling time for rest.

    I am very blessed to have a Deacon who is with me Sundays and helps with funerals and whatnot when her work schedule allows. Knowing she devotes time daily to hold me in prayer is a tremendous gift.

    Listen to the rhythm of your body. Keep hydrated. Rest. And above all focus on your breathing. When I get stressed my breathing gets shallow and I get light headed. Oxygen is your friend…keep breathing. [This is NO JOKE. I have found myself get up from meetings flushed and light-headed because I was so intensely into the conversation that I forgot to breathe! Love to you, dear. – PB]

  3. I finally joined a gym since I live in the frozen north again, and it has been the strangest form of Sabbath every day. I play my music loud (probably too loud) on my earbuds, and then get a “hydromassage” when I’m done, every single time (it’s a Planet Fitness, FYI). I also take Vitamin D and Evening Primrose oil every day, and feel less likely to spiral with those things happening.

    Mostly, I think, in These Trying Times, it’s just the best wisdom to be gentle with yourself. It’s SO hard to do. Also online sandal shopping doesn’t hurt if you live in a place where there are mountains of snow on the ground….

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