The Narrow Path Ministries

Does a pastor deserves a vacation?

Why do you ask?

Why do you ask?

Because if God will use me in his ministry full time I still would like to have some time with my families such as going on vacation together with them.

I think a pretty good case can be made for 'vacation' no matter what one's profession. Just like it's healthy for people to have 1 day of rest each week, it is healthy for people to have 1 week of rest on occasion or even an entire month every 7 years or so.

In my denomination, churches are encouraged to provide their pastors with 2 weeks of vacation time per year. Also, every 7 years churches are encouraged to provide the pastor with a 1 month sabbatical.

Personally, I've only taken 1 week of vacation in 4 years at the church, but that's b/c I haven't felt exhausted and wouldn't really know where to go. All my family lives nearby and I'm not interested in spending lots of money in that way.

In my experience, being a minister can be like being a doctor - you're on call every hour of every day. You can be called to the hospital or faced with a needful counseling session at any given time, regardless of your family activities or other engagements.

In my opinion, it is desirable for a minister either to be childless, or to have grown children; likewise, to be single unless their spouse has a solid cooperative commitment to the ministry. Dependent children have a fair claim upon their parents' priorities, and it can be challenging enough for a parent to give them their due without trying to shepherd a flock as well.

Of course, this could be attenuated in a congregation where there is broader diffusion of leadership and responsibility. But many congregations expect a pastoral staff of one or two to bear primary responsibility for official visitation and counseling.


Shalom,
Emmet

Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!!