If you are in any kind of ministry, leadership role, or work in a local church setting, you need to read this. Why? Because today is Monday, the most vulnerable day of the week for you. The day you are most susceptible to temptation, pride, irritability, fatigue, and discouragement. If there is one thing I know about Mondays in ministry, it's simply this; after God uses me on Sunday, Satan and my flesh will come against me on Monday.
Sundays are game day for ministers. It's more than just going to church and doing your ministerial duties. Sundays are the time when it all comes together; the lesson, the sermon, the conversations, the meal afterward with a family, the anticipation of what attendance will be, what the offering will look like, and what the response will be to the gospel. The stress and pressure can literally beat a minister to the ground, but the strange irony is that it can also create within us an excitement that energizes us for the assignment. It is actually the stress and adrenaline that do both; they motivate us to carry through and then they cause us to crash and burn both emotionally and physically. Many ministers have no idea why they feel the way they feel on Monday. They think they're just tired. It is so much more than that.
Physically, your body is wound up all day on Sunday, and if you are preaching more than one time, it's compounded. The chemicals in your body are raging; adrenaline, endorphins and dopamine give you the boost you need to get it done. Then Sunday night rolls around, the big day is over and now is in the past, and your body is filled with the residue of these chemicals. Some ministers fall right asleep from exhaustion. Others can't stop rehearsing the day in their minds and are up to the wee hours of the morning.
Spiritually, you just came out of a war. Sunday is war and the minister is a warrior (if you think I am being over-dramatic, then you've never been through it, or you would totally understand). God has used you to deliver His word to His people and there is a very real spiritual battle that has raged around you all day. When it's over, you are spent. God has granted you the honor to serve Him and now you need rest and refreshing. Your spirit is battle-weary. You must renew your heart and soul. But it's hard to do that on Monday. The tendency is to pack Monday full of meetings and busy work. But Monday is the day you need to rest the most.
Right after God uses you is your most vulnerable time to sin. Your guard is down and your defenses are weak. It seems counter-intuitive but it's true. It could be a little pride in you from the good sermon you gave yesterday or discouragement because the family you hoped would come to Christ didn't even show up. Either way, you need a respite after your most difficult and taxing work day. Monday is not the best day to play catch up.
BE CAREFUL ON MONDAYS
- You are most vulnerable to criticism and discouragement. Hold off on most calls and emails til Tuesday. They can wait unless they are a medical or spiritual emergency.
- You are susceptible to sexual temptation, whether in person or online. Monitor your mood and your online activity everyday, but particularly on Mondays.
- Fatigue from Sunday means you have less energy to focus on important tasks on Monday. Schedule, in advance, important meetings, including staff meetings (if possible) to Tuesday.
- Hold off on making big decisions (staff, budget, family decisions) until you have had time to reconnect with God and regroup personally. Most big decisions can wait a few days and the extra time may bring greater clarity.
- Plan margin on Monday. Create uncluttered space to read, reflect, pray, eat lunch with your wife, take your kids to school, go to the gym, or (gasp!) take a nap. You worked hard yesterday. Take some time to rejuvenate today.
In closing, I was just thinking about some of my closest friends and what they experienced yesterday. Pastor Steven Furtick at Elevation Church baptized 200 people in Charlotte yesterday. Pastor Perry Noble at Newspring Church baptized (with lots of help from staff) over 900 people yesterday and saw 276 people saved in 4 services. And even I had a crazy weekend. I drove over 400 miles, got home at 12:30 AM this morning and saw over 100 people saved over the weekend. The 3 of us are just a drop in the bucket when you think of every pastor, youth minister, evangelist, and minister that covers the landscape of the church in America. So be careful, pastor, because if you are going to mess up, it might just be on Monday. Do whatever it takes to preempt a Monday mess up.
Comments
September 14 2009
Lance Ratliff
Clayton, I am not a pastor but what can we do to help our Pastors and church leaders on Mondays?
September 14 2009
Matthew Costner
Thanks for the reminder Clayton. You are a great man. I wish we had more time to talk. Please keep me and my church in your prayers.Matthew
September 14 2009
Greg Hellams
Dude! Point on!!You are so right EVERY Monday is a struggle.
September 14 2009
Lori Faris-Huffer
I am not a pastor but my dad was and always recognized that when you’re running on empty you’re going to want to “fill” up. Mondays should be your day to fill up for those that preach all day~~get away. My mom although she worked the rest of the week took Mondays off w/my dad for years and they got away every Monday to gear up for ministry the rest of the week. Get away and let the spirit refill you for ministry with fresh water and bread. Churches should recognize this and figure out how to help their pastors do this. I know evaluation of worship is important but it can be done on Tuesday when pastor is rested. These are wise words, Clayton. As child of a college pastor who ministered to Indiana University students for years and all the staff of various campus groups it would have been easy for Dad to fill his Mondays with ministry but he would not have been as effective on the following Sunday morning. Praying for your ministry and thank you for teaching at Converge last year. Blessed.
September 14 2009
Wes
Great post. Thanks for the encouragement and wise words!
September 14 2009
Don Ryan
Excellent points. We were talking just yesterday at how you are your most vulnerable after your greatest spiritual encounters. Elijah after Mount Carmel became discouraged. The devil came to tempt Jesus after 40 days of prayer and fasting. Thanks for a great post.
September 14 2009
Brad Finley
Clayton, I have heard you speak a few times and your blog is no different than your speaking. It is WONDERFUL!!! I am a student minister in western KY and I find this to be true on Thursday more than Monday. Thanks for the word. Every minister needs that!!!
September 14 2009
DonavonHill
Big fat amen!
September 14 2009
Rory Tyer
Lance - I’d imagine that one of the most important things you could do would be to pray for them. Be aware of what they’re going through and pray according to the specific needs that they have. If you know their family, pray for them as well. Secondly, and just as important, give them some space. Don’t expect a next-day response if you’ve given sermon feedback (whether encouragement, questions, whatever), and help others to understand why Monday isn’t a time when you should expect the pastor to be doing active things with the body like meetings, visits, correspondence, etc.
September 14 2009
John Harvey
Clayton, Great word. I use Monday to pray, read scripture, read blogs, journal and read from a good book. No meetings, no major decisions and if possible, no knee-jerk reactions. And, if I feel tempted, I bolt out of my office and go hang out with my wife and kids. No regrets!!!
September 14 2009
hope hammond
i’m the worship leader at my church. this is true for me, too. needed those words of wisdom. i’m tired 2 weeks in a row from putting out fires and trying to handle tough situations with integrity. thanks for sharing…really!
September 14 2009
Candace
Excellent straight-forward piece that sssoo encourages me 2 continue prayg 4 pastors ESPECIALLY ON MONDAYS!:)
September 14 2009
Joel Young Blog.com » Blog Archive » R
[...] Preachers, and Church Leaders who have a huge role in Sunday activities. The post was called “It’s Monday. Be Careful, Pastor.” In the post Clayton outlined why it’s important for Pastors to have some recovery time after [...]
September 14 2009
Chris Wyatt
Boy, did I need those words, and today of all day! I am a student and worship pastor. My Sundays are SLAMMED. On days like yesterday I leave home in the morning and don’t see the house again until late night. Mondays are my day off, and the danger I experience is that of boredom. After spending my week in the constant presence of others and in focused spiritual pursuits, the silence can be deafening and the loneliness overwhelming. I find myself with too much time to doubt myself, second-guess myself, worry, critique, etc. I’ve found that rest, for me, does not always mean doing nothing. Sometimes I am most at rest (and refreshed) when I can contribute some effort to something I enjoy that is outside of the scope of my usual routine.
September 14 2009
Robert Garrett
Clayton,You timing is truly a “God send” I AM a pastor and your everyword is PROFOUND. Thanks for the encouragement and warnings Keep’em coming. Hope to get to see/talk to you soon.
September 14 2009
Chuck
Absolutely right on. Growing up in a pastor’s home I know this is a reality. Thanks Clayton.
September 14 2009
Bryan
Thanks for the encouragement, warning and challenge.
September 14 2009
Nick
Wow! We just launched our church yesterday and this was exactly what I needed to read on Monday morning. Excellent post and great advice. Thank you!
September 14 2009
Carrel
Thanks a ton for this post!
September 14 2009
Don
I am a volunteer worship leader. I tend to dismiss this “Monday wisdom” b/c I’m not in vocational ministry, which is in error. This is so true. So when I serve, I do so with all my heart, mind and strength. And there is always a backlash. Sometimes I’m wiped out all day. Other times I can’t sleep on Sunday nights, like last night for instance. :( So THANK YOU for the post. I need to be reminded of the truth of these words. This has helped me a great deal to understand why going back to the “regular” job on Monday’s is so tough. May God continue to give you wisdom as you encourage and challenge those whom he has entrusted to your influence.
September 14 2009
Dr. Bob Ryan
Scripture provides a “Sabbath” to contend with the fatigue factor. If pastors and their churches would recognize that Sunday is not Sabbath for pastors and staff, Monday could be. But it is not a day off nor a “honey-do” day. It is a day to take “Selah” moments - i.e., “stop and think on this.” The Psalmists wrote and inserted pauses for contemplation, meditation and revelation. Pastors are vulnerable when they never stop to reflect and worship the acts of God around their lives. MONDAY - SELAH MOMENTS if you feel tempted. This can help you get over it!
September 14 2009
Adam Smith
Excelent word, and spot on! Thank you helping us understand when to be ready for attack. I really needed to hear it!
September 14 2009
Paul E.
Ditto on the comment by the youth minister. From another youth minister who finds Thursdays difficult.
September 14 2009
It’s Monday… Please Read (Pastor Clayt
[...] It’s Monday. Be Careful, Pastor. [...]
September 14 2009
Bernie
I agree! I have been in ministry over 30 years. Did three services yesterday and led worship as well, then came back at night for our leaders / servants meeting, at which I taught and inspired. I am low on fuel today. LESSON: for many years I kept going even on Mondays, and sacrificed my family time. Monday is the day to break away - it will make you better the rest of the week and help you invest in your family and yourself. Nice piece and gret reminder. Do all you can to last for the long haul.
September 14 2009
Ron Dansby
We should all rest one day a week and for those of us in ministry that is certainly not Sunday. Monday certainly make the most sense. It is sometimes hard for me to just take it easy on Monday but I can really tell a difference the rest of the week when I do. Good word
September 14 2009
Mark Edge
Excellent advice. I like going to Starbucks on Monday mornings after the kids are off to school. I read the Bible, the newspaper, a good book. I go ahead into the office to send out a pastor’s email that summarizes Sunday (attendance, conversions, special info and thanks to those who worked so hard to make Sunday possible). I go ahead and plan the week that lies ahead. Its not a full day, but I find my week goes much better when I’ve got a jump start on Monday. Tuesday for staff meeting, appointments, and study. Wednesday for study. Thursday is my “do little” day. Friday I’m back in the office. For me I don’t fight thru Mondays so much b/c I’m focused on moving forward building on the day before.
September 14 2009
Scott R
Please pray for the thousands of bivocational Pastors who feel the exact same way….then wake up on Monday morning and have to go into a lost battlefield at thier work place. Ive been doing it bivocationally for 11 years. Its tough some Mondays!
September 14 2009
James Washburn
This is so true! Mondays are always running low and on empty. Thx for the reminder and advice!
September 14 2009
Jimmy Griffith
Right on target Brother.Find something to do on Monday, that relaxes you and helps you to recharge your batteries.
September 14 2009
Pastor Maxwell
Thanks Clayton
September 14 2009
Pastor Maxwell
Thanks Clayton.Right on target.
September 15 2009
Twitter Updates for 2009-09-14 - Joshua Kuhn
[...] RT @claytonking Mondays are the most dangerous… , so PASTORS & LEADERS, READ THIS!!! http://claytonking.com/?p=615 [...]
September 15 2009
Derwin L. Gray
C. King,great word my brotha! Sunday was great at thegathering (http://www.thegatheringnc.org). I preached on John 13:1-17; We had a awesome foot washing service. Then I drove to Franklin, North Carolina, and preached at a great event. It was awesome. Then Monday came . . . wow! Discouragement from everywhere.But tomorrow is a new day filled with the hope of Christ!Pastor Derwin L. GrayAuthor of—“Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart”
September 15 2009
joshua kuhn
[...] RT @claytonking Mondays are the most dangerous… , so PASTORS & LEADERS, READ THIS!!! http://claytonking.com/?p=615 [...]
September 15 2009
Rob’s Daily LifeStream Digest for September
[...] @claytonking Mon r most dangerous day for pastors, so PASTORS & LEADERS, READ THIS!!! http://claytonking.com/?p=615 (via @stevenfurtick) [...]
September 15 2009
Josh Meadows
Clayton,This is extremely true! Experienced this a few weeks back after Preaching in Michigan! Great word!
September 15 2009
charlie rice
dude, what a response. by far your best post ever. man, i needed this so bad. I personally feel better when i let monday be a day of rest. thanks for your good words, and great post. Wow. awesome. u da man soncharlie Rice
September 16 2009
tentmaker
I have no doubt many “professional” pastors go through this kind of pressure. And Clayton, this is absolutely fantastic advice for how to recover from such a strenuous and taxing day. But they shouldn’t go through this sort of pressure. This is crazy and not the what God intends being a pastor to be like. First of all, we’re all ministers according to the Scriptures. We all have a “ministry.” (2nd Cor. 5:18, 4:1) Granted we are not all pastors, but nowhere in scripture do you find the word “pastor” (singular), nor do you find the evangelical tradition of having one person give a “message” on Sunday. Only the word “pastors” (plural) occurs, and that is in Eph. 4:11. As far as the format of church, the modern format you see of putting one “main man” on the pedestal every Sunday to give a message is simply a product of man-made tradition. The closest the Scriptures come to giving us a “Sunday format” is in Corinthians, “When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. ... Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.” Sunday’s are supposed to be community events. Sometimes this man speaks, other times this other man does. Everyone (including multiple pastors) shares the load of teaching, of encouraging, of singing, of sharing, etc. Not one man. There is no “senior pastor” ever mentioned in Scripture who takes on the most burden.The modern “one main man” format is sort of like how Israel always wanted a king. We want to hear mainly from the guy that is the tallest, or the most charismatic, or that has the best “radio voice”, etc. We want to watch in awe of the guy who can most effectively charm people out of their seats to confess faith publicly, even though John ch. 8 verse 31 and verse 59 shows us that people who “believed” Christ after a great message of His tried to stone Him 3 minutes later. People coming to faith is great, but one confession one morning proves absolutely nothing as far as if someone is a believer or a make-believer. Yet we love pastors who can generate public professions because we want to feel as if we’re doing our job as witnesses of Christ by paying the pastors salary instead of sharing Christ ourselves, instead of investing long hours to disciple people ourselves to mature them into *actual* believers. Nothing at all against evangelists… but these problems I mention are very real.Too much focus and reverence on one man in the life of a church is dangerous, and is non-Biblical. The word “reverend” occurs in the Bible only one time: “He has sent redemption unto His people; He hath commanded His covenant forever: holy and reverend is His name.” (Psalm 111:9, KJV)Also, something that adds to the stress many “professional” pastors is that that they accept pay for their position. So, their salary is on the line every Sunday. One bad sermon in some churches and you could be let go. No more bread for your family. Even though pastors are “due” payment, Paul wrote that the most effective way to pastor (in terms of winning more to Christ) was to do it “on the side”, that is, to refuse to accept pay for pastoral responsibilities. See 1 Cor. 9:18 and 19. There is no record of any pastor ever taking pay in Scripture. There is record of the most famous pastor, Paul, refusing pay so his ministry could be more effective even though pastors are due pay. But traditions die hard, especially religious traditions. I don’t expect this brief comment will change many people’s religious habits. I doubt many pastors will step down from a well paying “senior-pastor” (singular) position… a title not found in Scripture. Traditions die hard. Just remember what they do. (Matt 15:6-9) And remember what God does to them … in the fullness of time. Remember Jerusalem in 70AD.
September 17 2009
Daniel Loh
thanks for this Clayton…
September 17 2009
It’s Monday. Be Careful, Pastor. « Pen
[...] It’s Monday. Be Careful, Pastor. Filed under: Blog Post — Clayton King @ 8:47 am [...]
September 21 2009
Daniel Lucas » Blog Archive » Just Ano
[...] In fact, he is so concerned for those who serve in a church (volunteer or paid) that he wrote this post last week. However, this week he explains what he shared with me earlier this [...]
September 21 2009
Carl
Thanks for the great reminder. I have been in ministry for almost 25 years and count Monday as a day to pull back and regroup. As a matter of fact, I think I will go take a nap.
September 23 2009
Benshoun.com » Blog Archive » The Effe
[...] Post 1 [...]
September 28 2009
John
I am a new missionary among an unreached people group in my first year and I have been experiencing this. My problem is that I don’t have a normal schedule of rhythm where Sunday is my biggest day. My biggest days come as a surprise many times and the warfare after victories can be intense. Very good reminders as we continue to adjust to the many new changes and transitions we are facing on a daily basis now.
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