If you're anything like me, your to-do list never ends. There’s always a lesson to prep, a parent to call, a volunteer to train, or a supply bin that needs reorganizing. Ministry is demanding and rewarding at the same time. But if we're not careful, we can serve until we’re running on empty. Rest becomes something we talk about but rarely practice.

Many ministries may take time to rest in the summer. But Kids Ministry often ramps up in the summer and is filled with VBS and activities for kids.
But what if rest isn’t optional? What if rest is part of the way God designed us to live and lead?

Why Rest Matters

Rest is not a luxury. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s not something we do only when the work is done, because let’s be honest, it never really is. Rest is a rhythm set in motion by God Himself.

In Genesis 2, after six days of creation, God rested. Not because He was tired, but because He was modeling something essential. He blessed the seventh day and made it holy. God set aside time to stop, reflect, and enjoy. And if the Creator of the universe modeled rest, why do we think we’re exempt?

Jesus also modeled rest. Over and over in the Gospels, we see Him withdrawing from the crowds to pray, to be still, and to connect with the Father. In Mark 6:31, Jesus says to His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Rest Isn’t Lazy—It’s Obedient

Rest is one of the most counter-cultural things you can do in ministry. It says, “I trust God to carry this work forward, even when I pause.” It’s an act of surrender. When we rest, we remember that we are not the Savior and in control of all things. We acknowledge that God is in control of all things, and we are willing to let him be in control.

We can become so busy doing things for God that we forget to be with God. What could be more important in our spiritual journey than to be with God? Rest brings us back to that relationship. It re-centers our hearts. It reminds us that our identity is not in what we produce, but in who we are in Christ.

The Cost of “Non-Rest”

Many of us are familiar with the symptoms of restlessness: emotional burnout, physical struggles, irritability, discouragement, lack of vision, even bitterness. These are warning signs that something’s off. When we ignore our need for rest, we start to lead out of depletion instead of overflow.

Sometimes our lack of rest comes from pride. We believe we’re the only ones who can get things done “right.” Sometimes it’s fear, if we stop, will everything fall apart? And sometimes, it’s guilt. We think taking time for ourselves is selfish or unspiritual.

But here’s the truth: chronic busyness is not a badge of honor. It's often a sign that we’ve lost sight of our limits and of God's sufficiency.

How Rest Strengthens Your Ministry

When we’re rested, we lead better. We listen better. We notice the needs of our team. We spot the shy child who needs a kind word. We handle setbacks with grace instead of frustration. Rest helps us lead from a place of love rather than obligation or frustration.

Rest also refreshes our creativity. Some of your best ideas for teaching, programming, or volunteer care won’t come when you’re staring at a spreadsheet. They will come on a quiet walk, in a slow morning with your Bible, or even during a nap.
When your soul is rested, your ministry becomes a reflection of God's peace, not your pressure. It becomes a beautiful masterpiece that God has designed.

What Does Real Rest Look Like?

Rest isn’t just about sleep or vacations, although those help! True rest touches your soul. It might look like:

• A weekly Sabbath: One day set apart to rest, worship, and delight in God.
• Daily rhythms of connection: Time in Scripture and prayer, not just for sermon or teaching prep, but for your soul.
• Boundaries: Saying “no” to good things so you can say “yes” to the best things.
• Delegation: Trusting others to lead, even if it looks different than how you would do it.
• Recreation: Doing something life-giving like reading, walking, creating, or laughing.

Rest doesn’t mean disengaging from ministry. It means prioritizing ministry with the right goals and purpose.

Encouragement for the Weary Leader

If you’re reading this and feeling exhausted, you’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re just human. You are deeply loved by the God who gives rest to the weary.

Take a deep breath. Schedule a slow morning. Watch the sunrise. Let your heart be reminded that it’s okay to stop. The work will still be there, but you will return to it renewed, realigned, and reconnected to the Source of all strength. You don’t have to accomplish everything in one day. Each day, take small steps to do God’s work in your ministry.
You’re not called to run on fumes. You’re called to abide, one of my favorite words that speaks deeply to my soul. And in that place of rest or abiding, your ministry will flourish. Not because of what you’re doing, but because of who you’re becoming.

Let rest be your act of trust and your gift to yourself, your family, and those you lead.

Melissa Anderson has had the joy of serving as the Director of Kids Ministries at Bethel Church in Crown Point for 20 years. She is passionate about ministry leadership, shepherding parents, and loving kids. Melissa has been blessed to be married to her husband, Jeff, for 42 years. Together, they have raised three wonderful children, who are now married and have given them eight adorable grandchildren. Her family and ministry are the heart of her life, and she is grateful for the opportunity to pour into both every day.