Navigating Busy Seasons In Creative Ministry
Easter, summer internships, Student Conference, Night of Worship, groups, series launches, and launching a social media team are just a few of the things that currently need my attention. Church life is busy, and full-time ministry can be even busier. How do you maintain rhythm while keeping boundaries and being present? I would like to think I have mastered the church calendar and life…but let’s be honest: ministry is a calling that requires pivots.
Growing up in Florida, we had sunshine year-round and could always be outside, no matter the time of year. When moving to Maryland in 2018, I experienced seasons for the first time, which meant I quickly learned there would be more events in the spring and summer.
Over the years, I have learned the importance of saying no, keeping my Sabbath, and being realistic about my personal calendar. These three things have allowed me to maintain longevity in ministry.
I’ll never forget the first time I hit burn-out. I was interning full-time for a church near Baltimore, then came on staff. I went from an intern to a director to be a part of the lead team all within 9 months, while I moved 12 hours from home not knowing a soul. There was so much to get adjusted to, so much to learn, and so many 'yes' I gave because I did not want to disappoint anyone. This led to me having panic attacks for the first time in my life, which led me to the hospital. Through therapy, I learned that I was doing too much at once without filling my cup.
I began to say no. Saying no allows my 'yes' to be fully present. Instead of being stretched thin, saying no creates space for my yes to be my best. An example of this could be leading a small group. I do not lead a small group every semester, even though it is something that I love doing. But if there are seasons in the church that I know are going to be busier than others due to my work load, I know that it may be of my best interest for myself and the people around me to say no that semester.
There is power in a calendar! As a type B person with a creative brain, I don’t like a calendar. I am a go-with-the-flow kind of person. But when it comes to getting time away or to recharge, I intentionally schedule those at the beginning of each year. I know spring, summer, and Christmas are times for me to get away and something I can always look forward to for a time of refreshing. I also schedule things with my friends, aka my community, and put them on my calendar. Whether going to a baseball game (Go O’s!), a concert, or a day at the beach in the summer, if I purposely put it on my calendar, it will be protected.
But most importantly I learned the power of the commandment, to keep the Sabbath. Saturdays are my time with the Lord. This is where I spend time with Him, soaking up His creation and allowing myself to rest in Him. No social media. No distractions. Just being present. I allow this time to get filled creatively and inspired, whether it’s going to an art museum, spending time in nature, or even crafting. Side note: Something I began last year for our church was a Social Media Sabbath. I have been over social media for churches for 7 years, so fatigue with the social media world definitely can hit me. With leadership's approval, we take 3 weeks in the summer for our feed to be silent. Obviously, we post that we are doing a social media sabbath, but this was very beneficial last year, and people still came to church.
I genuinely believe that even though church life can seem like it’s happening at a million miles an hour, you can be present in life fully without lacking anything. If you lead at a church in any capacity, you know we run hard, and we want others to experience the goodness of Jesus, but if I am unhealthy, stretch myself too thin, and do not spend time with our Creator- burnout can come quickly. Be encouraged to say no, to let your yes be your best yes, think of your personal calendar, and create space for yourself to get recharged and get a rhythm of keeping the Sabbath. When we develop these habits, I believe that we can thrive and have longevity as a creative ministry!
Nicole Stout
Communications Director
Lighthouse.Church