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Leadership Development

Balancing Home and Ministry

Q

I have been a leader in my Women's Ministries program for several years. I love serving our women. Lately, I seem to be teetering on the edge of burnout. I'm a busy mom with two teenagers and could use some practical advice on how to provide balance in my home and remain effective and relevant in ministry too.

A

There is no question that there is a strong connection between emotional and spiritual fitness. Most women today-young and old-need a giant hat rack; there are so many roles a woman is expected to fill. Hardly a day passes without the words stress and attitude entering conversation.

Take a look at what some Americans say about dealing with stress in our lives:

75% turn on the TV to reduce stress
66% listen to music
61% take a bath or hot shower
55% of women clean house (vs. 20% of men)
54% of women go shopping (vs. 27% of men)
41% of men get some exercise (vs. 36% of women)
38% scream at someone
22% run to alcohol or food?

Proverbs 14:30 says, "A relaxed attitude lengthens a man's life" (The Living Bible).

While it's not always easy to be relaxed, especially when we're all at different stages of life and wearing many different hats, the fact is that nearly 80 percent of disease in America is the result of an unhealthy lifestyle brought on by stress. Burnout syndrome is a natural byproduct of stress. And stress can zap our energy level and decrease personal productivity.

Try a back-to-basics approach for time management using the following guidelines.

Keep quiet times with God.
Know your limits. It's OK to graciously say no to one more responsibility.
Write down your thoughts when you're in a stressful situation. Then crumple the paper and throw it away-and the stress along with it.
Have coffee with a trusted friend you can relax.
Make time for fun. Laughter is great medicine.
Exercise, either alone or with a friend.
Give to others. Avoid the danger of self-centered thinking.
Tackle the most stressful tasks first.
Delegate to your support team. They will appreciate your confidence.

Also, remember that your senior pastor is a friend. Giving spiritual direction is a basic pastoral ministry, one I know your pastor is ready and willing to extend to you. Ask for pastoral input about goal setting, delegating and recruiting leaders. Your pastor will likely welcome your questions and concerns.

Finally, keep in mind that it's a new day and an exciting time to be a woman in ministry. Ask the Lord for His wisdom and guidance in your plans and preparations. Remain flexible and open to change as you stay centered in the Word of God, the final word when it comes to a relaxed attitude.