Pastor's Self Care: Church Work-Life Balance

Thriving pastor Isaac Karanja Wanyoike has been in ministry for over twenty-five years, but his career almost came to a painful end in its early days. Wanyoike struggled with a cultural background that told him to give himself-all of himself-to the care of his flock. While he thought he was following biblical principles, Wanyoike quickly found himself burned out mentally and spiritually. His family was equally drained as Wanyoike poured himself into his church community...until he was empty.

If you've ever found yourself there, Wanyoike's honest, refreshing guide is for you. You need to be emotionally healthy to sustain a pastoral ministry; after all, how can you expect to shoulder your flock's burdens when your own back is broken? There's no shame in making time for your personal needs. Wanyoike leads you through the importance of

• expressing your feelings,
• establishing your identity in Christ,
• embracing your congregation's unique talents, and
• entering into the rest God has purposefully ordained for you.

You'll learn how to set boundaries between your public and private lives, delegate responsibility to other trusted believers, and manage your expectations and anger. It's important to serve your church well-and that begins with self-care.