Finding Rest in Revitalization
Jan 21, 2025
As I sit here in my study, watching the New England snow fall outside my window, I'm reminded of Jesus's profound teaching in Mark 4:26-34 about the mysterious growth of seeds. This passage has become increasingly meaningful in my journey as a pastor serving in this unique spiritual landscape.
“The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. 28 The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. 29 As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
The Hidden Work of God
Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. This truth has revolutionized how I approach ministry and rest in New England's challenging soil.
For years, I felt the weight of revitalization resting solely on my shoulders. Every empty pew seemed to whisper accusations of failure. Every unanswered altar call felt like a personal shortcoming. But God has taught me, through both Scripture and experience, that while we're called to be faithful sowers, He alone brings the growth.
The Freedom in Letting Go
Understanding God's sovereignty in ministry growth has transformed how I view my role and the necessity of rest. Here in New England, where church attendance often feels like swimming upstream, this truth becomes even more crucial. We're not called to force growth or manipulate results – we're called to plant seeds faithfully and tend, trusting God with the outcomes.
Four Practical Steps for Building Margin
1. Schedule Rest Before Need
Plan your vacations and days off at the start of the year. Don't wait until you're running on empty. I've learned to book my time off six months in advance, treating it as seriously as any other pastoral commitment.
2. Create Daily Rhythms
Build small pockets of rest into each day. I've found that, at minimum, my first hour and minutes of quiet prayer in the morning before checking emails or messages help me maintain a listening posture throughout the day. This isn't just about spiritual discipline but acknowledging God's control.
3. Find Your Rest Tribe
Develop relationships with other pastors who understand the unique challenges of New England ministry. That is why I love being a part of BCNE. Pastors can meet monthly for coffee, sharing both burdens and victories. This reminder that we're not alone in the work is invaluable.
4. Practice the Art of No
Learn to say "no" to good opportunities so you can say yes to the best ones. I keep a margin journal, tracking where my time goes and adjusting as needed. Invest your time over spending it. This helps me focus on my primary calling rather than spreading myself too thin with those who could waste time, energy, and resources.
God's Timing is the Best
The spiritual soil here can seem rocky and unreceptive. But just as farmers know different crops have different growing seasons, God's timing for spiritual harvest varies. Our role is to remain faithful in planting and watering, trusting His perfect timing. We are faithful with the seeds, and God is faithful with the stalks.
I've watched seemingly dormant seeds suddenly spring to life in my congregation – the long-prayed-for deacon who finally stepped forward, the youth ministry that unexpectedly blossomed after years of steady investment. These moments remind me that God is always working, even when we can't see it.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Dear fellow pastor, your worth isn't measured by your church's attendance or budget. Your value isn't determined by the speed of growth or visible success. You're called to be faithful, not omnipotent. Take that vacation. Guard your day off. Protect your morning quiet time.
Remember, while you rest, the seeds are still growing. While you sleep, God is still working. Your faithfulness at rest is just as important as your faithfulness at work. Trust the mysterious and wonderful ways God brings growth in His perfect timing.
The kingdom of God in New England may grow differently than in other regions, but it grows nonetheless. Keep planting, keep watering, and keep resting – knowing that God gives the increase in His way and His time.
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