Those in ministry must occasionally be spared the ministry of distraction

By no means do I consider myself back in youth or children’s ministry.

Currently, I’m helping out the church my kids attend by volunteering every fortnight.

This includes giving a short address during the morning service.

It’s not a tremendous interruption nor strenuous undertaking.

But, I have noticed that I’m far more distracted at church.

Now I have jobs to do.

Now I have tasks for prepare for.

Now I have activities to set up.

Now I need to know my part in the service.

Now I need to be ready to “hit my cue” during the service.

Now I need to pack up after the service.

Now I need to make sure that everything is clean before I leave.

And, as a consequence… I’m more distracted.

Before the service…

During the service…

After the service…

Once a fortnight, I’ll be setting up instead of greeting others.

Once a fortnight, I no longer hear the sermon.

Once a fortnight, I can be glancing over notes during the prayers.

Once a fortnight, I’ll be packing away or farewelling kids instead of chatting with other parents.

Now, please don’t mishear me, it’s not a burden.

I volunteered.

I knew, intimately, what I was signing up for.

But I have been reminded of my years in ministry and a vital gift that churches should offer those in vocational ministry.

The gift of nothing.

No preaching.

And no service leading.

And no public prayer.

No offical duties at all.

Weeks where they do nothing.

Just attend.

Just be a member of the congregation.

Worship without distraction.

Sing without an eye on the order of service.

Pray without an awareness of the clock.

Listen to a sermon.

Be blessed by those within their church.

For some, this may be a difficult transition.

They will struggle to “switch off.”

Maybe there is a lesson in that… 

For some, they will be prodded to be more prepared, or - better yet - realise the calling to intentionally train up others to “take the reins.”

Hopefully there is a lesson within as well…

For some, they will remember what it’s like to attend in person on a Sunday.

There should be plenty of lessons gleaned from the other side of the pulpit…

Honestly, ministers will never become pastorally absent. 

They will still show concern. They will still check in. They can still minister to those present on a personal level.

But, these Sundays will allow ministers the freedom to… worship, pray and be taught/encouraged without distraction.

Surely, this is a gift most ministers will gladly accept and a lot of congregations will benefit from.