How does the minister determine when they are “on” and when they are “off” as it relates to one’s relationship with God. I think this is probably one of the more confusing routes to navigate as a minister. It is too bad - but the reality is, there are times when we are “on.” Not performing, as such, but certainly fulfilling the role, faithfully. And there are definitely times when one has to be “on;” when that is the last thing we want to do. It is those times, and those “skills” that are learned (being “on” when we aren’t “on”) that can have such a detrimental effect to the integrity of our hearts and the health of our spiritual state.

For me it shows itself most strongly when I am just trying to “be with God” for my own sake and my role of “minister” keeps raising it’s head (”how are you going to teach this” and “this will preach; I’ve got to use this” or worse “this will make a great illustration”).

Learning to navigate this “occupational hazard” is one for which I have found no easy answers. I would love to hear how you deal with this issue (or is it really a non-issue).