If you’re reading this, I’m guessing your calendar looks like mine – Wednesday night prep, Sunday morning chaos, summer camp planning, middle schoolers texting you at 10 p.m. and an inbox full of “urgent” emails about VBS. Ministry is full-speed. Life is loud. And rest? That often gets buried under the holy hustle.
But I want to challenge us – as youth pastors across Alabama – to reconsider something sacred and surprisingly simple: Sabbath.
1. You Were Not Made to Run on Empty
Student ministry is gloriously messy, chaotic and life-changing. But it’s also exhausting. You carry the weight of teenagers’ struggles, their families’ expectations, your lead pastor’s vision and your own desire to see life transformation. That’s a holy burden, but it’s not one you were made to carry nonstop.
God modeled Sabbath in creation – not because He was tired but to set a rhythm. “On the seventh day, God rested…” (Genesis 2:2). If the sovereign Lord of the universe rested, what makes us think we can run on fumes?
2. Sabbath Isn’t Laziness – It’s Obedience
Some student pastors avoid Sabbath because they equate rest with laziness. But Sabbath isn’t about doing nothing – it’s about doing what matters most. It’s about trusting that God is God and you are not.
In Exodus 20:8-10, the command is clear: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy … you shall not do any work.” This isn’t just good advice – it’s one of the Ten Commandments.
When you ignore Sabbath, you’re not just breaking a rule. You’re declaring, “This ministry depends on me.” But when you rest, you preach with your life: “This ministry belongs to God.”
3. You Can’t Lead Students Where You’ve Never Been
We teach our students to abide in Christ, to rest in His presence, to trust His timing. But how can we lead them to still waters if we never go there ourselves?
Taking a Sabbath teaches humility. It teaches reliance. It teaches presence. And these are the very things your students need most from you – not just your programs, your funny illustrations or your epic summer camps.
They need a leader whose life matches the Gospel rhythm of rest and work. Of being before doing. Of abiding before achieving.
4. Sabbath is a Weapon in the Spiritual Battle
You are in a war for the souls of teenagers. And one of Satan’s sharpest tools is burnout. He’ll whisper, “Just keep going. One more night. One more text. One more talk.” And before you know it, you’re running on anxiety, caffeine and performance.
But Sabbath is spiritual warfare. It says, “I will not be owned by busyness. I will not serve the idol of productivity. I will not sacrifice my health and family on the altar of ministry success.”
Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). It’s not a burden – it’s a blessing. A weekly reminder that your identity is not in your title, your sermon or your group size. It’s in Christ alone.
5. Practical Tips to Start Sabbathing Well
- Pick a day and protect it. It may not be Sunday, depending on your schedule. Maybe it’s Friday or Monday. Put it on the calendar. Guard it like it’s your wedding anniversary.
- Communicate clearly with your team and church. Let them know your Sabbath is a priority. They’ll respect it, especially when they see how it makes you healthier and more effective.
- Plan life-giving activities. Sabbath isn’t just about sleeping or doing nothing. It’s about what refreshes your soul – walks, meals with family, time in Scripture, unplugging from screens.
- Be patient with yourself. Learning to rest takes time. You might feel restless at first. That’s okay. Keep showing up. Let God rewire your rhythms.
Final Word: Rest Like Jesus
Jesus, the most important Person to ever walk the earth, took time to rest. He retreated from the crowds. He went away to pray. He took naps in boats. And He invited His followers: “Come to Me, all who are weary… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Student pastor, you’re doing eternal work. But you’re not invincible. You need rest – not just to stay in ministry but to thrive in it.
So take a Sabbath. Not out of guilt. Not out of obligation. But out of obedience, faith and the deep understanding that your first calling is not to do for Jesus but to be with Him.
Rest well, friend. Your soul depends on it.
All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Justin Caton serves as associate pastor of families and students at Thorsby First Baptist Church.
