spouse , etc . It ’ s that typical time off that most worship leaders think of .
But the next two are even more critical than this .
2 . “ Off-Platform ” Sundays This is when you ’ re not away , but you ’ re also not leading . You can actually worship with your family . ( Whoa … your spouse probably wouldn ’ t know what to do with you sitting there !)
These “ Sundays off ” are critical , not just for your emotional health , but for …
• your family ( they miss you )
• your team ( you need to model healthy time off the platform for them , too )
• your leaders ( they need more chances to grow and not feel like they ’ re just substitute leaders ).
At times , these ‘ Off-Platform Sundays ’ will allow you to spend time in the production booth encouraging and learning from your techs . If your church runs multiple services , take advantage of that . For example , worship with your family during one service , and hang with your techs during the next .
And bring donuts . Your techs will appreciate it .
Finally , the third ‘ Sunday Off ’ might be something you only do a few times a year , but it ’ s crucial for your emotional and spiritual health .
3 . “ Sabbath ” Sundays This is when you don ’ t go to church … anywhere .
Leading worship is both your ministry and your job ( whether you get paid for it or not ). Even if you go to another church , you know you ’ ll slip into note-taking and comparison mode , right ? That ’ s not real rest .
Imagine if you were able to do this : Sleep in on a Sunday . Get up and enjoy your morning coffee . Stay in your PJs till lunch . Go on a hike .
Whatever is personally restorative for you , do it . Just … don ’ t … go … to … church ! ( I promise you ’ ll be able to find God somewhere else on Sunday morning other than a church building .)
A Side Note Those of us who have grown up in the church can have a complicated relationship with Sunday worship attendance . For some , taking this ‘ Sabbath ’ Sunday can feel sinful . Or at least guilt-inducing .
But that ’ s exactly why you need it .
I know I ’ m opening up a big can of worms , but it ’ s critical . And not enough people are telling worship pastors and church leaders this . You need a few Sundays a year where no one expects ANYTHING of you .
God will NOT be angry . Or disappointed . Some people in your church might be disappointed or photo : Noor Younis , Unsplash