{"id":31864,"date":"2022-09-10T15:47:02","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/4-steps-to-healthy-ministry-boundaries-in-an-age-of-accessibility\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:47:02","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:47:02","slug":"4-steps-to-healthy-ministry-boundaries-in-an-age-of-accessibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/4-steps-to-healthy-ministry-boundaries-in-an-age-of-accessibility\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Steps to Healthy Ministry Boundaries in an Age of Accessibility"},"content":{"rendered":"
Photo by Alejandro Escamilla on Unsplash <\/p>\n

By Daryl Crouch<\/em><\/p>\n

A wise person once said, \u201cA shepherd smells like the sheep.\u201d That\u2019s true. Local church pastors should live close to our people. We should know them, and they should know us. Few practices in spiritual leadership are more powerful than the \u201cministry of presence.\u201d<\/p>\n

In an age of mobile devices and multiple communication platforms, however, is it possible for pastors to be too<\/em> accessible? Is it possible that we\u2019ve neglected our souls and even undermined our leadership in our well-intended efforts to serve our congregation? Is it possible that our constant connection to one another actually distracts us from our fellowship with Jesus?<\/p>\n

So how do church leaders do the personal work of ministry in the modern age and still maintain the rhythm of work and rest that feeds our own souls and serve others well? Let\u2019s consider four critical steps to creating balance between effective, intentional ministry and instant access.<\/p>\n

1. Invite your congregation to draw near to Jesus with you.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As much as pastors love our people and want to serve them, our primary responsibility is to lead people to experience intimacy with Jesus\u2014to discover the wonder of His presence above all else. We only do that when our relationship with others is shaped by our intimate fellowship with Jesus.<\/p>\n

In this age of accessibility, our greatest need is still our personal connection with God through Jesus Himself. Everything we do in ministry flows from that, and our availability and usefulness to the congregation is only empowered by the Holy Spirit who abides in us.<\/p>\n

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So as ready as we are to respond to the needs of others, healthy pastors create blocks of time where we get away from serving people in order to seek the Lord. We silence our phones, turn off our notifications, and open our Bibles and listen for the voice of God.<\/p>\n

Although it may be difficult for a church member to be denied access to us in those moments of solitude, our hearts are shaped by God\u2019s presence, so our congregational life will be shaped by His presence as well.<\/p>\n

2. Create healthy communication habits.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Technology provides amazing opportunities for ministry. We can respond quickly to needs and stay connected even from a distance. This universal access, however, requires wisdom to build habits that not only serve others well, but make us more effective leaders.<\/p>\n

Consider these questions:<\/p>\n