Sacred Rest: Why Pastors Need the Sabbath (And How to Make It Both Holy and Fun)
By WJ de Kock, ThD
Educational Consultant to Partners in Ministry
Professor of Practical Theology at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University
7 minute read
Picture this: You’ve given two sermons, tackled your inbox, and fended off at least three “urgent” text messages. It’s Sunday afternoon, and while the rest of the world is enjoying BBQs or naps, you’re already bracing yourself for tomorrow’s marathon of meetings. Pause—sound familiar? Ironically, many pastors preach about rest with the same fervour they avoid it. It's time to flip the script.
The Pastor’s Paradox: Preaching Rest, Living Exhaustion
Let’s call out the irony upfront: we glorify rest from the pulpit but wear our busyness like a badge of honour. We tell others to prioritise their souls, but our calendars look like a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle—of chaos. The solution isn’t some trendy app or next-level multitasking technique. It’s been in your Bible, waiting patiently since day one (literally). Spoiler: it’s called the Sabbath. And it’s not just a day—it’s a revolution.
The Sabbath: A Palace, Not a To-Do List
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel nailed it when he described the Sabbath as a “palace in time.” Not a chore, not a catch-up day—a sanctuary.
The "Palace in Time," turns the Sabbath into something magnificent: a royal sanctuary not made of bricks but of time and spirit. Imagine stepping into an invisible castle where the only ticket is your awareness and willingness to pause.
This palace isn’t built with stone but with soulful practices, joy, and calm retreat. It’s not a date circled on the calendar; it’s an atmosphere—like entering a royal court where you’re both the guest and the royalty.
For him, the Sabbath also liberates you from life’s constant hamster wheel of striving and acquiring. Heschel calls this escape from the "tyranny of space," shifting your focus from having to being, from control to connection. It’s a day to share, breathe, and savour freedom.
Unlike physical palaces that crumble, this one renews itself every week, open to all, needing no upkeep beyond your attention. It’s a reminder that true grandeur lies in sanctified time, not material conquest. So, greet the Sabbath not as a mere day off, but as your invitation to dwell in timeless majesty. Your crown awaits.
In a world where “downtime” is code for doom-scrolling, the idea of a palace of peace might feel downright rebellious. But what makes the Sabbath so distinctly powerful?
It’s More Than a Day Off—It’s Holy Ground
Here’s the thing, aimless Netflix binges or sleeping until lunch won’t cut it. Real Sabbath rest has layers—think of it as a spiritual charcuterie board:
• No accidental Sabbaths here. This is about purposefully carving out time to rest—not squeezing it in between errands.
• The Sabbath isn’t just me-time; it’s God-time. It’s a space to deepen your relationship with Him, yourself, and those most important to you.
• Resting with others doesn’t kill the vibe; it amplifies it. The Sabbath invites meaningful connection—family dinners, laughter with friends, or simply shared silence.
• Think of it as a spa day for your soul. Renewal isn’t selfish; it’s functional. Without it, burnout isn’t just likely—it’s guaranteed.
"But Sunday’s My Busiest Day!”
The Sabbath isn’t married to Sunday. Any 24-hour stretch will do—as long as it’s consistent, protected, and sacred. Here are some pro-tips:
• Decide on a 24-hour block that truly works for you. Then, commit.
• Guard it like it is a heirloom. Protect this time with the same intensity you protect sermon-writing hours. No interruptions. No guilt. No exceptions.
• Start with a ceremony. A special meal, a prayer, or lighting a candle can signal that this is holy time. Bonus points if homemade bread is involved.
• Turn your phone off, close your laptop, and rediscover what silence sounds like. Spoiler alert—it’s beautiful.
• Do what fills you. Paint. Walk. Pray. Laugh with your kids. Let God find you. Read something you’d never preach about. Let joy guide you.
Setting Boundaries Without Breaking Bridges
You’re worried about leaving your congregation hanging, right? Here’s how to handle it gracefully:
• Teach your church why your Sabbath matters. Make this a discipleship moment—they’ll respect the practice when they see its benefits in your preaching, leadership, and joy.
• Empower trusted leaders to take the reins during emergencies. (Bonus: this builds leadership resilience in your church.)
• Modelling the Sabbath for your congregation isn’t a cop-out. It’s a testimony. When they see you thriving—not surviving—they’ll catch the rhythm of God’s grace through your life.
The Revolution of Rest
Here’s the kicker: When you embrace true Sabbath rest, it changes everything.
• Sermons will flow from a place of abundance—not exhaustion—and your congregation will feel the difference.
• Bye-bye burnout. Hello, longevity. By stepping away regularly, you’ll preserve your passion and joy for ministry.
• Your calling becomes a delight, not a duty. Leading with peace and power? That’s Sabbath promise.
Your Soul’s Invitation: Take the Challenge
Imagine leading from a place of rest rather than from fumes. What would change? Your ministry? Your family? Your soul?
The Sabbath isn’t a luxury—it’s a divine gift. And God didn’t rest on the seventh day because He needed to; He did it to show us how to live.
A Final Word
You are not a machine. You were made for rhythms, not relentless action. God built rest into creation for a reason—and He gave you permission to stop. Imagine embracing that fully. Imagine the fruit that will bloom in ministry, family, and your spirit.
What will your palace in time look like this year?