Preachers and Hobbies
Neil Richey has a thought-provoking article today about preachers finding things to do outside of their jobs. God’s workers have been known to neglect their families, as well. We need to be like the common man in that we get sufficient rest, spend time with our families and take care of our health.
I believe in preachers having hobbies, don’t you? No, I’m not talking about the “hobby horses” we are sometimes guilty of riding in the pulpit.
I’m talking about the hobbies that provide temporary escapes from reality that give us a break from a life that absorbs us, virtually 24/7.
Edgar De Witt Jones, in American Preachers of To-Day, quotes:
I have no hobbies, except the hobby of work. I work about sixteen hours every day, and I work for work’s sake. I do not care anything about sports, waste no time on them. My exercise, my joy, my pleasure, my happiness, my progress, my amusement, are all found in the course of duty, in the field of service, at hard labor.
I don’t believe in this for a moment. Nor, do I believe this philosophy to be biblical. My Lord thought it important to have some personal time. On one occasion, Jesus told his disciples, “…Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while.” Why, you ask? The Bible says, “…for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mk. 6:31).
I enjoy writing, reading and watching football. Moreover, Pinterest is relaxing to me. What about you?
The only guidelines would be that they…
1. Do not take undue time from our families or ministry
2. Are not too expensive
3. Do not harm our influence as a Christian.
4. Are not sinful.
What thoughts do you have?
Ron Thomas 12:27 pm on May 2, 2012 Permalink |
For each man (or person in general) the down time or a time of relaxing is varied. My time is much different than it is with others, but it is just as warranted and necessary. I love what I do; it relaxes me greatly. During football season I enjoy the same thing you do. During the evening hours at home with my wife I am very relaxed and enjoy it very much. Your four points are very good.
Eugene Adkins 4:51 pm on May 2, 2012 Permalink |
I used to like playing paintball – but I ended up having no time.
I work a “regular” 40 and then I have my preaching/congregational responsibilities. As of right now, I do at least 5 sermons a month, teach 8 classes a month, and give about 5 devotionals a month (this is based on a 4 week month). So when I get home from my “day job,” I start my “night job.”
That all being said, I’m a husband and a father too!
One thing that I had to learn was how to be content with little personal time. If a person in my situation doesn’t become content with this then they will go crazy and will get burned out on everything. Time managment is a MUST.
So what do I do for fun??? Whatever the family wants to do :)
Ron Thomas 4:30 am on May 3, 2012 Permalink
I appreciate your work, Eugene.
Stephen R. Bradd 4:55 pm on May 6, 2012 Permalink
Before marriage I played golf a lot, bowled, listened to music frequently, painted & sold some artwork, shot billiards, played video games, and hung out with friends. Now, my “free time” is spent trying to keep up with, as Eugene put it, “whatever the family wants to do.” This is very enjoyable to me. Working hard as a preacher, husband, and father will keep me busy for the rest of my life, I think.