“Help Pastors Wear Their Oxygen Mask”

Aviation Advice

Ministers sometimes hear this advice: “If you’re on a plane and the cabin pressure changes, put your own oxygen mask on before you try to help others. You can’t take care of others very long unless you care for yourself first.”

Church shepherds are often reluctant to wear an oxygen mask. Biblical commands to love others and sacrifice for God ring constantly in their head. It’s tempting to risk fainting from burnout later to avoid upsetting any sheep now.

However, self-care isn’t selfish.

You and I can’t give what we don’t have.

For clergy leaders, self-care is actually the most loving thing they can do to ensure their long-term ability to serve God and others.

Jesus regularly pulled away from the crowds in order to pray and rest. Shouldn't pastors also imitate Jesus like this?