Four Good Reasons for Pastors Get Away
Summer is here, and families are planning vacations. The pastor and his wife may feel that everyone in their church is traveling, leaving them to fill empty spots in the nursery and Sunday School. Perhaps you are in this position as a pastor’s wife. Maybe you and your husband have talked about taking a trip but haven’t done anything about it. This article gives reasons for the ministry family to consider taking a vacation, even if only for a few days.
A couple in ministry could have some reservations about such a trip. You may think that the cost doesn’t warrant such an indulgence. Perhaps your husband is concerned about finding someone who can fill the pulpit. I ask you to consider the following points, which show the benefits of a planned family adventure.
1. A Vacation Can Help You and Your Husband De-Stress
In a previous blog, I wrote about the stress that can build while doing ministry. The Lord set up a system of work and rest for His people in the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). But those who minister on Sunday morning, prepare a hot lunch, and return for the evening service don’t find Sunday to be restful. Because you homeschool your children or shuttle them to various after-school activities, you aren’t very likely to take a day off during the week. Saturday is left for household errands and isn’t very restful, either. You may think the preparation required for a trip isn’t worth the effort. Do you know the British expression, “A change is as good as a rest”? That means that simply changing your routine can provide a respite. Plan a time of real relaxation for your family. The location doesn’t matter as much as the ability to leave your familiar environment and set aside your problems for a time.
2. A Vacation Can Help You Enjoy God’s Creation
Many families like to go camping at a quiet spot in the mountains. Everyone brings their hiking boots, eager to hit the trails. Others will drive to the beach, the car packed with umbrellas and sand toys. Those who live in the city will travel to a peaceful lake, carrying their fishing rods and tackle. Families who live in small towns might relish the busy life of the city, excited to attend a game played by their favorite sports team. Wherever you go, spend time outdoors. Get up early to watch a sunrise and appreciate the experience of waiting for the sun to sink into the ocean at sunset. Have family devotions beside a campfire. Leave your house and your unnecessary electronics behind. It is refreshing to worship God through appreciating the beauty and variety in what He has made. Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Get outside for a few days.
3. A Vacation Can Create Positive Memories
Family experiences become family lore, binding each person with the other. Now and then, our family pulls out an old photo album that records our history. We gather souvenirs from far-flung places. My collection of dish towels and reusable shopping bags brings to mind past vacations. We have stories of getting lost but finding unexpected blessings on back roads in small towns. We remember playing games and singing in the car. These memories are even more critical for the pastor’s family. The ministry family needs to think of themselves as an individual unit and not just an extension of the church. The children benefit from seeing their dad as their father, not just their pastor. For the pastor’s wife, you may feel on display wherever you go in your community. Traveling to a new location can offer refreshing anonymity. More importantly, God gives parents the mandate to teach their children “when you walk by the way” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Spending time together affords these opportunities.
4. A Vacation Can Foster a Sense of the Spread of the Gospel in Diverse Places
The pastor’s family loves the familiarity of their own church, but there are many reasons to visit a different church while on vacation. You will be blessed by the preaching and practices when you visit a Bible-teaching church. My husband and I have adopted ideas for our church based on what we have seen in other churches. We have heard refreshing sermons and worshipful music in churches that are outside of our own association. You will make new friends with fellow pastors and wives in other denominations. Best of all, mixing with people from different groups broadens the sense of the worldwide church of God. In John 17, Jesus prayed that the church would experience unity (v. 11, 22-23). We could fall into the trap of unnecessarily distinguishing ourselves from other believers. Denominations serve an important role but can become insular. The breadth of Christ’s body is visible when you experience worship with fellow believers on vacation.
Consider talking to your family about taking a trip together. Such a vacation won’t happen without a plan, so start discussing the particulars. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance” (Proverbs 21:5). You will experience rest from your usual work. Your family will benefit from spending time in God’s creation because you will see His power and creativity. Positive memories of time spent together in other locations will build togetherness. Visiting other churches will bless your family by learning from others, making new friends, and realizing the scope of the Body of Christ in other places. Start planning today for a future family getaway.
©2024 Caroline Newheiser. Used with permission.
About The Author

Caroline Newheiser
Caroline Newheiser is the Assistant Coordinator of Women’s Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary-Charlotte. She has been a pastor’s wife for over 40 years.