LILR 095 | Brady Boyd on the Importance of a Pastor’s Pace of Sabbath Rest
Dec 5, 2023
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Brady Boyd, Senior Pastor of New Life Church, discusses the crucial importance of Sabbath rest for pastors. He highlights the emotional weight and trauma pastors carry and encourages healthy rhythms to sustain ministry. Other topics include coping with preaching pressures, recovery and recharging, the importance of a life-giving church, and promoting leadership development.
Sabbath rest is crucial for leaders to refuel their souls, prioritize their relationship with God, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Ignoring rest can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional burnout, and moral failure, emphasizing the need for leaders to prioritize their well-being and manage their time and energy effectively.
Deep dives
The Importance of Rest and Sabbath for Leaders
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the importance of rest and Sabbath for leaders. Pastor Brady Boyd emphasizes that many leaders are too busy and need to prioritize taking time to slow down and focus. He shares his own experience of learning to embrace Sabbath and explains that it is a day for unhurried conversation with God and loved ones. He encourages leaders to schedule unplanned days and engage in activities that help them settle their minds and refuel their souls. By prioritizing rest, leaders can better manage their energy, improve their decision-making, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The Dangers of Ignoring Rest and Sabbath
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the dangers of ignoring rest and Sabbath. Pastor Brady Boyd highlights that many leaders struggle with insecurity and fear of disappointing others, leading them to say yes to everything and neglect their need for rest. He advises that failing to prioritize rest can result in physical exhaustion, emotional burnout, and even moral failure. Additionally, he points out that pastors often face trauma from listening to the struggles and challenges of their congregation and need outlets to process and release that burden. By recognizing the importance of rest and managing their time and energy well, leaders can avoid these dangers and lead more effectively.
Creating Healthy Rhythms for Sustainable Leadership
The podcast also emphasizes the importance of creating healthy rhythms for sustainable leadership. Pastor Brady Boyd suggests that leaders who have control of their calendars and create margin are more successful and focused. He encourages leaders to have a calm assurance that they are in God's hands and that He will equip and use them in their roles. By practicing Sabbath and embracing regular times of solitude and prayer, leaders can find clarity, make better decisions, and lead with intention. Additionally, by understanding that the local church is sustained by God and not solely dependent on their efforts, leaders can find freedom from the pressure to do everything and have a more balanced approach to their ministry.
The Power of the Local Church
The podcast concludes by highlighting the power and impact of the local church. Pastor Brady Boyd encourages listeners to recognize that there is far more good happening in local churches than they may realize. He urges people to find and become involved in life-giving local churches that preach and demonstrate the love of Jesus. He reminds leaders and congregants alike that the church is a force for positive change and transformation in communities, reaching the lost, and caring for those in need. By appreciating and supporting the work of local churches, individuals can experience personal growth and contribute to the greater mission of the church.
“Our enemy hates that we’re taking days of rest.” Meet Brady Boyd, Senior Pastor of New Life Church. Today’s episode is a reminder of the crucial ways Sabbath rest refuels a pastor’s soul. On a weekly basis, pastors carry an emotional and often traumatic weight as they shepherd their congregations. Today, Pastor Brady encourages all leaders to incorporate healthy rhythms that will make space for pastors to be able to sustain a ministry for the long haul.
Welcome to Episode 095 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof.
Brady Boyd has served as the Senior Pastor of New Life Church for nearly fifteen years. Under Brady’s leadership, New Life Church has grown to eight congregations, and its unique team-teaching method has become a model for churches around the world. Brady is the cohost of The Essential Church Podcast and hosts conferences including the Essential Church Learning Community, Desperation, and Gathering. His commitment to tangibly care for the people of Colorado Springs has birthed Dream Centers and Mary’s Home. He has written eight books: Oceans of Grace, Extravagant, Remarkable, Speak Life, Addicted to Busy, Fear No Evil, Sons & Daughters, and Let Her Lead. (All are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.) Brady earned his degree in Journalism from Louisiana Tech where he also was the Sports Editor for his college newspaper. His love for sports led to his announcing career for professional baseball and basketball teams prior to serving at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas for nearly seven years. Brady lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Pam, and their two adult children.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.
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