how to turn work off

We’ve all been there - home but not at home. Turning off “work” for any job is difficult. But because most of us don’t “clock out” from church, it can even be more difficult for worship leaders and pastors. Read on…

In Today’s Email

1. A Tip for Turning Work “Off”

2. Retreat 2025 - Limited EARLY Discounts!

3. This is My Father’s World (1901)

Tip for Turning Work “Off”

One of the great challenges for ministry leaders is being able to be present and engaged with the people or things that they love after the weekend or work day is over.

While there may be many reasons for this, one prominent challenge is that most of us have no process for ending the work day. As a result, we carry all “things in progress” home with us.

What all of us need, on some level, is a routine for ending the work day - a process in which we take note of what got accomplished and what still needs to be done. More importantly, we need a time to lay the done and the undone before the Lord before we give our attention to other important areas of our lives.

For your consideration - The Shutdown Routine…

Here is how this could work for you:

Time

Try reserving the last 15 minutes of every work day for this routine.

Place

Pick a place where you end the day regularly. Think your office, or your car in the parking lot before you head home.

The Routine

1. Organize/declutter your space.
   
   If you choose to enact this routine at your desk, organize it before you begin. It will be hard to release any mental chaos while staring at a mess.
   

2. Recall the things that got done today and thank God for them. 
   
   Think about or write down what was accomplished in the day. Even the smallest of tasks. Then, thank your Lord for giving you what you needed this day.
   

3. Make a list of the things that were left undone.
   
   What didn’t get finished today? What big event, service, or task looms ahead that needs preparation? Write them all down somewhere.
   

4. Plan to do what has been left undone.
   
   Most of the time, the things that didn’t get finished take up our mental energy at home simply because we haven’t decided when they will be worked on next. If you didn’t finish scheduling the band for the month today, put an hour in your calendar to finish tomorrow. Now you know when you will be finishing the task.
   

5. Pause and reflect.
   
   Now that you’re ready to end the day, what still lays heaviest on your heart or your shoulders?
   

6. Pray.
   
   It’s this final step that allows us to walk in freedom until we “clock in” again. In a moment of surrender, place all that is undone and all that burdens you at His feet. Ask for what you need. And trust that the one who never sleeps will fill in all the gaps as you leave the parking lot.

*This routine will be most helpful when considering the average day and “tasks” of ministry. There will be days when the role of a worship pastor requires longer than normal hours - hospital visits, crisis meetings, last-minute troubleshooting, etc - where this routine may not be useful.

We would love to hear if you adopt it and how it works for you!

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