Monday Mythbuster #5

Are you ready to bust some more Ministry Wife Myths? Myth #5: I am obligated to attend every single event on the church calendar.

Realizing you not only don’t have to, but simply can’t, attend every single church event may be a simpler truth to swallow if you serve in a larger church or bigger city. But if you’re pastoring in small-town America, this can really test your determination to create boundaries in your personal schedule. Why? Because EVERY event is super important to someone different. So you feel the pull to please every single person in your church by attending every single event on the church’s calendar. Perhaps, however, you’ve discovered: you cannot please every single person all the time. And even if you could, you’re likely to overlook pleasing the Lord and pleasing the ones you love the most, your family.

Your model of balance is another form of leadership to those you serve.

But how do you negotiate what events you choose to attend?

1. Have an open, honest conversation with your spouse about your family’s goals, not just for the ministry to others but for your ministry to your own family.

2. Evaluate what your goals are for the families you serve in ministry. If you’re feeling the crunch to make every single event happen in your family‘s calendar, so are all the families in your church. Consider pruning out events for one year to see how it improves your church’s overall health and participation.

3. Pray toward a unified decision with your spouse of what is expected and stick to it. You don’t have to explain beyond, “I’m so sorry. We weren’t able to make it this time.” Your model of balance is another form of leadership to those you serve. And going the distance in ministry is of greater value than your premature burnout.

What are your thoughts on this? Let’s talk about balance.

Bonus Resources:

Blog: That Ugly 'B' Word

Podcast: Sanctuary Book Club | At Your Best