CO M PA S S I O N N E T WO R K
BETTER TOGETHER a message from Josh Hannah Pastors, Last month, I challenged you to prioritize rest and even consider taking a sabbatical. Let me encourage you again to make rest a consistent rhythm in your life.
CO M PA S S I O N N E TWO R K TEAM VISITS SOUTH AFRICA We had a great time in South Africa. The trip gave us the opportunity to spend time with one of our newest Compassion Network family members, Pastor Jacques Van Bommel, and see firsthand the incredible ministry taking place through Celebration Church and Reaching a Generation. Celebration Church is just four years old and already averages around 750 in attendance, while Reaching a Generation has reached more than 29 million children with the Gospel.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that nobody accidentally rests. We accidentally get busy. We accidentally fill our calendars. We accidentally neglect our families. We accidentally convince ourselves we’ll slow down later. But nobody accidentally rests. Rest has to be intentional. If I’m being straight with you, pastoring is the hardest job I’ve ever had. What it takes from you emotionally is hard to explain. Unless someone has done it, they won’t fully understand. But you understand. That’s why rest isn’t weakness. It’s stewardship. Jesus told His disciples: “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31) If Jesus thought rest was important, we should, too.
Our team also visited the Hope Center property, ministered in community schools, helped feed children, and built meaningful relationships. Pastor Jamie Grisham preached at Hello Church, a newer church in our network that you’ll be hearing more about in the future, while I and the team were at Celebration Church.
I’ve never met a pastor who regretted spending too much time with his family. I’ve never met a pastor who regretted taking his kids on a trip. I’ve never met a pastor on the backside of ministry who said, “I wish I had attended a few more meetings.” So this summer: Spend time with God. Spend time with your family. Spend time restoring your soul. The goal isn’t to work less. The goal is to finish well.
And yes, we even found time for a little Texas Hold’em and, of course, some hunting. As I begin my vacation next week, I want you to know that I’ll be praying for you. I love you, I appreciate you, and I’m honored to serve you.