It’s hard for me to believe, but I started my first church over 13 years ago. God has allowed me to have an incredible ride over the years! If you know me at all the one thing I’ve always struggled with over the years is the pace of ministry. There have been seasons that I did not manage the balance of my own spiritual growth, my family, and ministry very well. In recent years I’ve worked much harder at keeping this balance.
Yesterday, at Cross Point Nashville I announced I’m taking my first study break. After 13 years of preaching messages almost every single weekend I’m not going to speak the next 4 weeks. I’m very thankful to be a part of a church that allows me to put such a focus on my own spiritual health and understands the importance of this component when it comes to leading the church.
Here’s a look at some of FAQ’s I’ve received in the last 24 hours.
*Are you burned out? Not at all. I’ve never been more excited about ministry and more specifically the ministry here at Cross Point. God is doing some huge things here at CP and I want to make sure that I’m more ready than ever to lead this church into the next season God has for us.
*Where will you be over the next 4 weeks? In a top secret location? No, actually I’ll be here in Nashville most the time. I’m doing a little traveling, but for the most part I’ll be here. I’m going to visit a few churches and church leaders that I’m learning a lot from these days, but I’m really looking forward to just attending Cross Point with my family and learning from the great speakers we have during the “rewind” series.
*Who will be speaking at Cross Point? This Sunday we’re launching an awesome series entitled “rewind”. Blake Bergstrom, our Nashville campus pastor, will launch the series and then come back in week 4. Justin Davis, who is just coming on board at CP will teach week 2 and my friend Jon Acuff, one of the funniest guys I know, will be speaking in the 3rd week of the series. I’ll be back to wrap up the final two weeks. Trust me when I say you won’t want to miss a week of this series. I’m so looking forward to sitting out there and being challenged with you guys.
*Why a “study break”? Two main reasons for me. First, I’ve always said that I want to deliver messages from an authentic overflow of what God is doing in my life. It’s really hard to do that week in and week out without taking some breaks along the way. I’m going to be spending a lot of time in God’s Word and in prayer trying to decipher God’s direction for the teaching ministry of Cross Point in this next year.
Second, this is important for our church. I think Cross Point needs a more steady diet of other Godly voices. God has blessed us with some incredible communicators who you will greatly benefit from.
*Will you continue to blog? I think so. Not making any promises but my blog tends to be a fun, creative outlet for me. If I discover it’s getting in the way of my study time I’ll give it the boot though and be back in August.
See you Sunday,
Pete
Very glad you are taking this time. Was listening to Wild Goose Chase and Batterson mentioned he takes 6 weeks off a year. Immediately thought about you and if you did the same. (Glad it’s only 4. Ha)
Looking forward to Pete Wilson 2.0 !!
WesHoward’s last blog post..Ironing is the Devil!
I think this is a Great Idea! In fact I think it would be good if everyone on staff was able to do it. Its so easy as always be there to help everyone else sometimes that we forget about our own growth.
Jessica Esch’s last blog post..Im Not an Average Girl
I am so encouraged to see you taking this time. I have been following you since India and appreciate your teaching and insights from afar. Currently in seminary in CA with a heart to work in pastoral care. My passion is to walk along side pastors and their families to encourage them in the care of their own souls, attention to their families, time away from the pulpit without the pressure to be always “ON”, and creating resources to facilitate opportunities to travel and be in the beauty of God’s creation to refresh and restore. So rare to see pastors actually DOING it – way to go Cross Point! I pray you will be vigilant in guarding this time. May the Spirit overflow you in every recess of your mind, body, soul, and spirit!
Our Pastor took off the month of June from preaching and I pray that he does it every year. I think Pastor’s need refreshed, fed, etc. I am so glad you are doing that, Pete. May you have a great time with the Lord and whatever He has for you the next four weeks.
Julie’s last blog post..
I am sooo glad that you are taking a break! You deserve it!!! Enjoy it! Can’t wait for the new series and getting to know all the other pastors thru this
Falguni Patel’s last blog post..Cooking Is A Hobby
To everything there is a season…..
I pray that this season is filled with spiritual growth, valuable teachings, and quality time with your family as well.
Peace~
*~Michelle~*
*~Michelle~*’s last blog post..Moving Mountains
@Falguni, You are going to absolutely love getting to know these guys. Each one of them is amazing!
I think its very wise of you to do take your study break! Way to heed the Holy Spirit working in you!!! I will miss your blogs though, if you take a break here too. Just an FYI…
Maureen’s last blog post..Protected: June Newsletter
This is a great idea!!!!! I firmly believe that pastors should take breaks every once in awhile. Not just because of burnout (which I know you aren’t experiencing) but mostly to renew themselves and to hear and learn more of what God wants for you as a leader and for the church. Plus, time off refuels creativity! Will be praying for you during this time!
Tiffany’s last blog post..39 week photo
Good for you Pete! Excited for the time that you’ll have. We treasure our time in the summers. We always come back renewed, with a million new ideas.
Lori’s last blog post..Friendships in Leadership
@Lori, I’m very thankful for ministry examples like you and Jud. Thanks for being such great role models for me.
Glad you’re getting to do this! Can’t wait to hear from you when you get back!
kc’s last blog post..Random Thoughts on the Night Before my 36th Birthday
Pete I’m cool with you taking a break as long as you post all 4 services from yesterday online, k? I think it’s a good deal! LOL. I want to hear all the questions and answers. Enjoy your time “off,” you deserve it! Most of the churches I’ve gone to in the past have a month or so the pastor takes off each year. Maybe you should do it for your own health that way!
Pete,
We’re just heading back to Indiana from a month in Florida. Our church did One Prayer this year, so we used the video messages while I was gone.
I did the same thing – studying and writing while here. It was worth it.
Daniel Goepfrich’s last blog post..What is salvation without heaven?
Pete…
You completely deserve it, but more importantly need it. Thank you for setting the example. I hope you and your family have a wonderful, restful, enjoyable, rejuvenating break!
Very cool. Didn’t God call a day holy because He rested on it?
It is not only great for you to take a break, but it is a great example for your staff and congregation. So glad you’re taking this time to focus on the connection between you and God.
Anita’s last blog post..Correction: Verse Flinging 101
Very proud of you for doing this. I appreciate your intentionality so much! This is going to be SUCH a great time for you and your family. Enjoy!
Linnae Hoppe’s last blog post..The Sabbath
Pete, I admire that you are taking time off to fill yourself up. Your church will be blessed for this.
Using most of Hope Now Week 5 – Hope for the Future – in our large group teaching. So essentially you are our “guest Speaker” tonight. If you think of us around 7:30 tonight, pray God will use this message to touch people in Central Arkansas.
Alison’s last blog post..Past couple of weeks in pictures
Oops! Large Group teaching in Celebrate Recovery (Christ-centered 12-step program)
Alison’s last blog post..Past couple of weeks in pictures
I think this is a great idea! Our pastors are “required” to take a 4-5 week sabbatical every 5 years. I’m glad you’re getting a break. While you’re out one (or more) days surprise Brandi with a special treat or two.
Way to go Pete! I take a two week study break every year after our pastor does so I can work on ideas to go along with his sermon series ideas. It is so much nicer to have things in my head in advance so I can think further out and not always feel like I’m overwhelmed by the moment!
I’d love to discuss the DR when you get back so message me or something…….
jan owen’s last blog post..Worshiping Alone
I think that is awesome that God put a “study break” in your heart and you are heeding His word of rest. So many times, especially Pastor, tend to try to be all things to all people. That’s God’s job not ours. The other thing that I find interesting is what God did on the 7th day when creating the world. That’s right He rested!! Imagine that! HE rested and we think we are or should be the Energizer Bunny. What is it in us that we think we don’t need a break. I believe that’s an attack of the enemy to set us up for failure. Rest well, gain strength because I am sure that God has HUGE plans for you and your ministry over the next 15 years that will blow your mind! Praying for you and your family!
Kara’s last blog post..Choices…
This is just weird…
Did you know you were going to do this when we talked in the foyer of your church? Cause, dude, we had this conversation … ah, the joys of having a break from time-to-time.
I am excited for you and the time you will be able to ‘rejuvenate’.
This is a great example for other teachers/preachers who think that the whole thing will just fall apart if they aren’t there to hold it together. Which, if it does, then the church wasn’t about God anyway.
Now go get some rest!
Tony York’s last blog post..When poetry goes bad… real bad.
Oh.. and by the way.. Church of No People had me giggling today… I about choked when I saw your picture up on one of his posts.
Tony York’s last blog post..When poetry goes bad… real bad.
Pastor Pete,
Have an incredible time taking things in with wonder and excitement, and be refreshed and renewed. We’ll keep you and the fam in prayer. Hope the guest speaker vids will be pod/vid casted for those of us who come via cyber. We’ll miss ya, but so glad you’re taking this time–hope it’s an adventure.
Blessings!
Tina Dee’s last blog post..Wild & Crazy Recipe Monday – Peach Cream Pie!
I think Christianity as a whole would be better off if more of its leaders did this regularly. Even Jesus took time away from teaching and the disciples to spend time alone with the Father. I’ve always believe that “Be still, and know that I am God” was better translated: “Sit down and shut up so you can hear what I’m trying to tell you!!”
Of course, maybe that’s just me.
We will be praying for God’s blessings for you and your family, and for our leaders of our church. Be well
Corporations have been doing this for years for employees that reach 10 yrs they get 1 month off on top of their annual vacation. By their standards you are WAYYYY overdue plus I’m thinking you are getting your 2+ weeks of vacation per year. At my previous company you would be earning 5 weeks a year. Hmmmm maybe you should do that. Have a good one.
Angela’s last blog post..Judah’s tree house
Meant to say I bet you AREN”T getting your 2weeks or so vacation every year.
Angela’s last blog post..Judah’s tree house
you’re going away?!? i don’t know if i can handle this… THE WALLS ARE CLOSING IN!!
It’s great to take time away. As the church grows the need for the Pastor to follow Moses’ example becomes all the more important. Backing away so that burn-out doesn’t set in. I’m a biblical counselor and I HAVE to take time each year away from my clients. I love them, but becoming a vessel to hold their trauma and pain begins to take its toll, to adequately care for them, I must adequately care for me.
Pete
i will be in prayer while you are away from Cross Point. If you have a specfic request let me know. If your visiting other churches let me invite you to Oasis. The series is called At The Movies. If you need anything at all either leave me message on Facebook or call me you have the number. love you and Brandi & the mighty boys.
Well, I guess there is no going back now. You named me as a speaker during your break! Looking forward to serving you and the great people at Cross Point. Have a great break and know we will be praying for you!
I think it’s a great idea! When I was a teacher, I always felt better refreshed and equipped when returning in September. After 13 years, you could use a study break to refresh! Good for you!
Helen’s last blog post..Do They Even Allow White Sox Fans in England?
Our Pastor is on sabbatical at this time and while I miss him, I am really enjoying hearing the other pastors on staff share from their hearts!!! I think it is a terrific idea!!!
Enjoy the break!!!
bluegoose’s last blog post..Honor and Respect
Pete,
I am praying that the Lord will truly bless this time out that you are taking. I pray for a refreshing and revitalizing like you have never seen before. I pray that He will meet you in your study time and bring new revelation to the scriptures. I pray for a clear mind and an open spirit that God may fill you to overflowing with His presence.
Be blessed, my friend.
Kels
I hope the good Lord urges you to float a line or two and feel the tug of a trout…
Jesus tended to slip in to the wilderness whenever He needed some “alone time” with the Father.
Thank you guys so much for the encouragement. It really means a lot to me.
Good for you Pete, we all need that and if anyone deserves it, it’s you! Even Jesus had to take that time. We as a church support you and are praying for you! I look forward to hearing the others speak in July!
We’ll miss hearing you speak but glad you are taking the time you need. Looking forward to hearing the others – especially Jon, he is hilarious.
Lindsey Nobles’s last blog post..I Am What I Tweet?
I think it’s an awesome idea – why wait til you are burn out or running on E… take preventative measures … refuel and refresh and I think it will be great for you family too! Those boys are too stinkin cute!
Brittany’s last blog post..Not Me Monday
Hey man, you’re welcome to come visit our church during this time, if you’d like. Also, if you’ve got the time, I wouldn’t mind grabbing some coffee some time. Hope you’re well.
Wow…that is really healthy. Yay for you and the Mrs.
Hey Pete,
Glad to hear it, I think this will be so good for you, your family, your staff, and the whole church community! I just wrote 2 posts actually on my boss’ study break… I think it’s so important! Looking forward to hearing how it went!
http://larryboatright.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/my-boss-is-taking-a-whole-month-off-of-work/
http://larryboatright.wordpress.com/2009/06/17/my-boss-is-taking-a-whole-month-off-of-work-pt-2/
Larry Boatright’s last blog post..An 8-year old’s letter to a friend…
Hi,
I would like to share with you a good ebook that’s free to help pastors and their wives with discouragement and burnout. You can find it at: http://www.stoppastorburnout.com . It’s quite helpful.
If you have pastor friends or even their wives, we are currently inviting pastors and pastor wives to join charter membership club for free for 2 months,you might want to share this with them. You may visit http://www.susandavidlifecoach.com/index.php/sponsors for more information.
We would also like to invite you to view our video on this topic at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miF-R0bCz0A.
Feel free to share this with your friends or people you care for.
Thanks,
Susan David