10 Books for Rest, Renewal and Taking Time Off in Ministry
For pastors and church leaders, the rhythm of constant giving can slowly erode the well of spiritual and emotional strength if not attended to with care. Rest, renewal, and intentional time away are not luxuries, but essential parts of sustaining a healthy and faithful ministry. Whether you're considering a sabbatical, planning a retreat, or simply hoping to find a slower rhythm in your everyday life, these books offer wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools. Below, we've curated a selection of thoughtful reads to inspire rest and support your journey toward spiritual health and vocational sustainability.
The Gift of Quiet
If we’re honest, the word "quiet" can feel elusive—or even threatening—in a world that thrives on noise and speed. For ministry leaders, this is doubly true. Our lives are filled with voices clamoring for attention: sermons to prepare, congregants to counsel, programs to run, and a thousand other demands, all layered against the noise of a chaotic, divided world. It’s tempting to believe that in order to keep up, we must always stay busy, always reacting, always doing. But what if the most important thing we could do for our ministry—and for ourselves—is to stop? To embrace quiet not as a void, but as a profound and holy gift?