He Is Risen!

by General Presbyter Melana Scruggs

Christ is risen! Our hope for the renewal of all creation is alive and present with us every day of our lives. We can live into the call for our corporate and individual lives because of this hope and renewal. 

Each of you had many opportunities for worship and contemplation during Holy Week and into Easter. It is clear that the leadership of each of your churches is working hard to share the gospel message in worship and mission. Thank you for all that you do.

Many pastors may be feeling some fatigue after numerous services and special opportunities for people to learn of what God has done for us. Season is coming to a close as people return north for the summer and the number of special activities in churches will be decreasing as the month progresses. Please make time for your pastoral leaders to renew themselves through vacation or continuing education. Pastors work diligently to make worship meaningful and mission opportunities significant and often forget to take time for their own renewal.

Clergy burnout is at an all-time high (as is burnout in other professions, like nurses, physicians, and teachers) and that is worrisome as more and more pastors retire earlier than expected or leave pastoral ministry for other careers. I invite you to read this article by Carey Nieuwhof on the research from the Barna Institute about clergy burnout. 

Healthy clergy lead healthier congregations and we need to encourage pastors to healthy behavior. Pastors who participate in the life of the presbytery, share with other clergy colleagues in study or prayer groups, exercise, and take their vacation and continuing education time, are more likely to stay in ministry and thrive.

Encourage your pastors to find ways to renew themselves so that they can serve the church in good times and in difficult times. I continue to pray for each pastor and church as you do God’s work in your communities.