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God Knows Leaders Need "Soul Rest"

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The Rev. Marjorie Thompson

Thompson, a widely-sought leader, teacher, and speaker in the area of Christian spirituality, posed this question to attendees at a pre-conference Christian Education Fellowship Sabbath Retreat, meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 24.

An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA, and director of Pathways in Congregational Spirituality at Nashville-based Upper Room Ministries, Thompson was the retreat leader for Christian educators and clergy in town for the 40th anniversary of the Christian Educators Fellowship and the 60th anniversary of Preaching from the Center, which met jointly for the first time in the history of the organizations, October 24-28.

Thompson told participants that the rhythm of rest requires trust, rooted in grace and flowing from the power of the Spirit. "We have consigned ourselves to anxious lives and driven ministries," she said. Drawing on an analogy from Psalm 23, she reminded participants that "sheep are not driven; they are led. We are led, drawn by Jesus who goes before us and guides us. Yet we have embraced a cultural 'driven-ness' in our churches and personal lives. God knows we need soul rest."

Participants in a pre-conference Christian Education Fellowship Sabbath Retreat, Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 24, 2008

Participants were asked to respond to questions for reflection on Sabbath time, such as "Where are my green pastures -- those places, relationships, or activities that offer me real spiritual nourishment? How often, or under what circumstances, do I allow myself to 'lie down' in these pastures? How do I care for my spiritual needs?"

Emphasizing the need for Christians to slow down, Thompson shared a quote from a chapter entitled, "Doing Good Badly," in Wayne Muller's book on Sabbath. According to Muller, we are in such a hurry to "do good" that we don't take time to listen deeply to what is truly needed in a situation and may end by doing more harm than good. Contemplation, the art of seeing what is real, takes time. We are so unwilling to take time.

Thompson cited teachings from classic writings such as those of Bernard of Clairvaux to underscore the need to practice Sabbath rest -- rest for the soul. Quoting from Evelyn Underhill's writings on prayer, she urged participants to let nothing interfere with time in simple adoration. According to Underhill, only adoration "maintains the soul's energy and peace and checks the temptation to leave God for God's service." Imagining that our service can substitute for a lived relationship with God is an occupational hazard in ministry, Thompson asserted. Underhill saw clearly that "we are in such a hurry to transmit, we forget our primary task is to receive."

Retreat Participants Albuquerque, New Mexico October 24, 2008.

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