Work-Life Balance in Ministry: Myth or Must? | The Church Resource Podcast

Welcome back to The Church Resource, the show where we talk about the best tools, books, and insights for pastors, leaders, and everyday believers who want to serve well and live faithfully. Hosted by Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass, this week’s episode tackles one of the most requested—and most misunderstood—topics in ministry: work-life balance.

Lucas opens the conversation with the big question: “Does work-life balance even exist?” It’s something pastors, church staff, and Christian leaders wrestle with constantly. The guys share honestly that while “balance” is a popular buzzword, in real life—especially in ministry—it looks different for everyone. Ministry doesn’t fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule. The phone rings at odd hours. Emergencies don’t wait for office hours. And yet, spiritual leaders still need healthy rhythms, time with their families, and moments to recharge.

Dr. Chris points out that real balance isn’t about rigid schedules—it’s about boundaries. There’s a difference between being available and being on call. The danger for many pastors is thinking they need to be everywhere, all the time. But as both hosts admit, that’s a fast track to burnout. Instead, leaders must learn to discern what truly needs their attention, and what can wait—or be handled by someone else.

Lucas shares wisdom from Jimmy Draper’s book Don’t Quit Before You Finish, where Draper encourages ministers to protect small, consistent windows of family time. Even just two hours a night without interruptions made a huge difference for his ministry and marriage. Those habits not only guard your home life but also model healthy leadership for your congregation.

Dr. Chris builds on that, encouraging pastors to train others in the church to share the load. He also reminds leaders to be self-aware: sometimes our own need to be needed drives us to overcommit. We have to remember—we’re shepherds, not saviors. The unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves (and those others place on us) must be brought into alignment with what God actually calls us to do.

The guys also get practical—sharing how to handle hospital visits, emergencies, and everyday pastoral care in a way that’s meaningful but sustainable. Whether it’s a phone call, a video message, or a brief visit and prayer, there are many ways to show people they’re cared for without exhausting yourself. Ministry isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about faithful presence, even in small ways.

Perhaps the most powerful part of the episode is the discussion about marriage and ministry alignment. Lucas emphasizes that loving your spouse well is one of the most spiritual acts a pastor can do. When ministry demands increase, checking in, communicating, and maintaining unity at home are vital. As he puts it, “I’d rather have 20 minutes of attention than two hours of split focus.”

In the end, the takeaway is simple but profound: Work-life balance does exist—but not as perfection. It’s about staying grounded in your calling, setting right expectations, and staying aligned with your spouse, your family, and God’s purpose.

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