It has been a privilege to recently be working with a group of leaders on curriculum for soul-care retreats and conferences. These are not being designed to be content-heavy but rather relational and experiential. Here is the value statement we have all agreed upon: “A foundational experience focused on spiritual renewal, emotional restoration and healthy reflection.” The focus is not knowledge-based or the acquisition of leadership skills but rather how to “swing at the curveballs of life and ministry.” Soul-care zeroes in on your personal life in the areas of spiritual, intellectual, relational, physical and emotional health.
How does a godly leader handle challenges differently than the world? These meetings will provide a strong foundation in Biblical doctrine on suffering and providence, as it would be foolish not to have that foundation. These gatherings will be facilitated by seasoned veterans in small cohorts, utilizing a variety of learning methods with the goal of mutually guided, experiential learning. There is a great need for all of us to be reminded of the theology of sin and suffering as well as the nearness of God to the sinner and the one who is suffering. One of the goals is to be able to evaluate and reflect on any areas of neglect in your personal life.
Allow me to share with you some of the content that will help us cultivate rhythms of rest, establish boundaries and develop healthy systems. With a focus on scripture and sabbath, there must be a deeper understanding of developing a sustainable schedule. Leaders usually understand the concept of “burning that candle at both ends,” but the reality is that it will eventually burn out. The Pentateuch makes it clear that self-care matters to God (Leviticus 23). This is not the “self-care” being touted by TV ads that has produced a trillion-dollar global industry. Those focus on convenience, customization and consumption.
Here are some statistics to cause us to consider the reality of this issue. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans over 18 suffers from a mild to severe anxiety disorder, while millions are undiagnosed (nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder). “Over one-third of women (36.7%) now report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime, compared with 20.4% of men, and their rate has risen at nearly twice the rate of men since 2017 (news.gallup.com/poll/505745/depression-rates-reach-new-highs.aspx). Some studies indicate that more than 1/3 of Americans suffer from work burnout (forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2025/04/16/why-american-workers-are—burnt-out-and-exhausted). Some have reported that up to one-third of US pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry, but there is some good news. Barna reports that this has actually improved over the past few years. While that is good news, our responsibility is to reduce the rate of burnout and help ministry leaders stay refreshed and rejuvenated regularly.
The most striking aspect of this entire scenario is that people have never had more access to self-care, yet the statistics are alarming. Google searches for self-care and self-care products have increased 315% since 2017. Today, the self-care products industry is estimated to be worth $41.2 billion and is projected to grow to $81.2 billion by 2023. The global “wellness economy” is worth $5.6 trillion and forecast to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027 (asdonline.com/blog/retail-news/what-self-care-trends-mean-for-retailers-in-2020). The time has come for you to ask what you can do to take better care of yourself spiritually, intellectually, relationally, physically and emotionally. Self-care can only take you so far; every believer needs God’s help.
There are definitely daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual rhythms. We continue to stress the importance of Abandoning Annually (Vacation and Conferences), Quarantining Quarterly (Prayer Retreats), Measuring Monthly (Coaching and Mentoring), Withdrawing Weekly (Sabbath) and Diverting Daily (Quiet Time and Devotions). This includes simple yet profound God given rest through sleep (day/night) as well as a Sabbath rest and even annual sacred assemblies that the Bible teaches clearly. These were very precious gifts that God provided for His people who previously were slaves in Egypt.
Nathan Crietz, one of the main contributors to these soul-care events, states, “The emphasis is not on getting a bit more R&R (rest and relaxation). God built in rhythms of R&R&R&R (rest, remember, and rejoice in relationship). The people were to rest from their work. They were to remember his word. They were to rejoice in his work. And, rather than engage these rhythms in isolation, they did this in relationship with others.” Sounds biblical. The purpose of sacred times is not to indulge or pamper ourselves, but to truly be rejuvenated by God’s presence in our lives. God knows best what we need.
Think about all that God has provided for us and instructed us in our well-being through the Scriptures:
• Genesis — God made us in His image to be fruitful and multiply and even though man fell, He spared them and clothed them.
• Exodus — God brings His people out of slavery and into sonship. He gives them instructions for remembering all He has done.
• Leviticus — God designed rhythms of rest and renewal for His people to follow. The emphasis is not on what His people can do, but rather on the sacrifices made on their behalf.
• Numbers — God is always present with His people and provides for them.
• Deuteronomy — Shows us God’s promises in chapters 10-12. It is very healthy for us to review them regularly and carefully.
There is no doubt man’s systems are broken, but God’s are not. God is not helpless to give you what you need when you need it. Listen to Nathan again: “Some of our unbelieving family and neighbors will blame God when they experience suffering (a natural response). But in God’s redemptive plan, we see that He is always creating order out of disorder. God enters our broken world and makes things right. He doesn’t create darkness. He creates light and calls it good.”
There is more to come in this area of soul-care focus and reflection. Please note that almost all that is written here would not be here without a great deal of prayer, years of ministry experience and significant collaboration from individuals like Nathan. Please note that we do not always reference statistics, but we wanted to provide you with access to where they can be found. Be sure to take a look at what Jesus said in Matt. 11:28-30.
