Summer Sabbaths: Why Every Church Leader Needs Some Fun
10 fun ways to rest and restore your spirit during the summer months
By Wayne Faison, BGAV Executive Director
The 23rd Psalm is one of my favorite passages of scripture. As a matter of fact, my mother would always encourage us to recite this passage during our greatest time of need. Psalm 23:2 reminds us that God makes us lie down in green pastures, and he leads us beside the still waters. Psalm 23:3a lets us know that God does these things so that our souls can be restored. And speaking of being restored: summer offers a unique gift for those of us serving in ministry. Summer gives us permission to slow down.
For pastors and church leaders, the demands of ministry rarely pause. Sermons still need preparation, pastoral care continues, and the needs of congregations remain ever present.
Yet even Jesus stepped away from the crowds to rest, reflect, renew, and restore. Taking a break from ministry responsibilities is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of restoration.
Healthy leaders understand that their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being directly impacts their effectiveness in serving others. When we continually pour out without replenishing ourselves, fatigue and burnout often follow. The summer months provide an ideal opportunity to embrace recreation, laughter, and fun outside of ministry tasks.
Fun is not frivolous; it is restorative. Whether we’re spending time with family, reconnecting with friends, exploring a new hobby, or simply enjoying God’s creation, moments of fun can renew perspective, rekindle creativity, and ignite new passions. Churches can encourage this healthy rhythm by supporting their pastors and ministry staff in taking vacation time, unplugging from emails, and setting boundaries that allow genuine rest. Congregations benefit when their leaders return refreshed, energized, and spiritually renewed.
As you plan your summer, consider intentionally scheduling activities that have nothing to do with committee meetings, sermon series, budgets, or church calendars. Give yourself permission to enjoy the summer season. God created us not merely to work, but also to delight in his gifts. This summer, take a break, make some memories, and rediscover the joy that comes from restoration and recreation. Your ministry and your soul will be better for it.
Top Ten Fun Things to Do
- Take a day trip to a place you’ve never visited.
- Read a novel just for enjoyment.
- Attend a baseball game or local sporting event.
- Go kayaking, paddleboarding, golfing, or fishing.
- Host a backyard cookout with friends.
- Explore a hiking trail or state park.
- Learn a new hobby such as photography or painting.
- Have a technology-free day with family.
- Visit a museum, concert, or community festival.
- Watch a sunset and thank God for a season of rest.
This summer, make room for fun. Ministry can wait a few days while your heart catches up.
Rev. Dr. Wayne Faison is BGAV’s executive director.
