EP 230 – Rhythms for Pastors with Andy Addis
We are happy to be joined in this episode by special guest, Andy Addis to discuss his book, Rhythms. Get a free digital copy of Andy Addis’ book Rhythms at this website: http://FindingBiblicalRhythms.com
You can see a video of him teaching on this book in more detail at the 2023 Replant Summit HERE.
In this episode, JimBo and Andy dive into the importance of intentional time and task management for pastors, especially those in bi-vocational ministry. Andy Addis emphasized the significance of establishing rhythms in life to move from surviving to thriving.
Annual Rhythm: Andy Addis discusses the concept of an annual rhythm, suggesting a sabbatical break every year. Ideally, pastors should take three weeks off, but even a one-week break can make a significant impact. This time is not just about rest but also includes intentional study and planning. It’s an opportunity for pastors to recharge, refocus, and prepare for the upcoming season of ministry. The annual rhythm is a deliberate step toward sustainability, ensuring pastors are not just surviving but thriving in their roles. Even if you can only take one day, Andy walks through how to make the most of that day. This is particularly important if you are a longer-tenured pastor as we have discussed before in EPISODE 215.
Regular Rhythm: Another crucial rhythm is the regular break every seven weekends, allowing pastors to step away from the pulpit and create space for personal and family time. This rhythm is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By taking a weekend off regularly, pastors can experience a sense of normalcy, engage in family activities, and enjoy a break from sermon preparation. We have talked about this subject before in EPISODE 221 – Sharing the Pulpit
Weekly Rhythm: The weekly rhythm involves designating one day a week as a true Sabbath day. This day is not limited to Sundays, as pastors often find it challenging to rest on their busiest day. Andy Addis shared his practice of taking either Mondays or Fridays as his Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of having a designated day for personal rest and rejuvenation. It’s about finding what truly brings rest and joy and making it a regular part of the weekly routine.
Day Part Rhythm: Lastly, the day part rhythm encourages pastors to choose two out of three day parts (morning, afternoon, or evening) to work, leaving one for family time. This intentional approach ensures that family gets dedicated time and attention, preventing the exhaustion that comes with working non-stop. By planning family activities during specific day parts, pastors can create a healthy balance between ministry responsibilities and personal life.
Implementing these rhythms is not about perfection but about progress. Pastors can start small and gradually incorporate these practices into their lives. The goal is to move from the trap of constant busyness to a sustainable ministry that allows for rest, family time, and personal growth. By embracing intentional rhythms, pastors can model a balanced life for their congregations and lead by example in navigating the demands of ministry. Wanting to dive more into pastoral self-care? Check out EPISODE 185 with Frank Lewis.