Dirt Conference Lab: Balancing Workload & Life

This session from the Dirt Conference was another that I had the chance to help lead along with panelists Anne Jackson, Kristen Becnel & Charlie Loften. The wisdom these three shared was eye-opening and extremely transparent. In particular, Anne Jackson really knocked it out of the ballpark with her insight. Of course, the IS the author of “Mad Church Disease” – a book about ministry burn-out – so she had a lot to say that was very helpful and insightful.

Here are the notes I took while trying to hold my laptop, a microphone & my Bible while sitting on a stool (in other words, not as many typed in as I’d like to have done):

1.  How can I say no? (or how do “you” say no)

In terms of serving your Pastor: There are three answers for your pastor – “Yes”, “Yes, but” or “No”; but “no” is reserved only for that which is unethical, immoral or un-Biblical.

By having a strong relationship with your church leadership, you can share openly & honestly about your workload. As leaders, there job is to lead you and protect you.

Anne Jackson talked about how in Luke chapter 4 Jesus pulled away from the non-stop ministry. He set a precedent for us to retreat away to spend time refreshing.

Charlie & Kristen spoke of putting boundaries on your time commitment.

I implored people to track their time via projects. By first understanding how & where you spend your time, you can begin to make changes in prioritization and in making important cuts to buy margin in our time.

2.  What do I do if my family is missing me and I have a deadline?

“An inconsistent schedule has to be the exception, not the norm.” – Charlie Loften

Go home. Work will be there tomorrow. Your family needs you more than yet another project.
3.  How do you teach the concept that this job isn’t 9-5?

Respect the seasons of ministry. Know that extra time is required during Christmas & Easter. Balance that time with rest afterward.

“We need time to dream & rest.” – Kristen Becnel

Manage people well. Help protect your staff’s time and ensure you’re “selling what you’re smoking”.

4.  How do you protect yourself from becoming burned out?

Spend time with the Lord daily.

Protect YOUR Sabbath (for most church staff, that’s not Sunday).

Be part of a group that holds each other accountable.

Read Anne Jacksons’ book “Mad Church Disease”.

5.  Can you have a successful family life and work life?

The quote of the day was a stunner: “We like to let productivity define our spiritual maturity” – Anne Jackson. Smack, that’s good!

The answer is “Yes”, but it requires intentionality.

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