Sitting by the well
/By: Richard Frost
‘What would Jesus do?’
Back in the 1990s there was a trend to wear wristbands, t-shirts or to have other items displaying the acronym WWJD. You might have something – we've still got a fridge magnet.
The origin of the phrase, though, stretches back to the writing of Thomas a Kempis' 15th Century book, The Imitation of Christ.[1]
For the purpose of this blog, while the principles apply to all of us, whether lay or ordained, in church work or secular, I'm going to focus on how that question relates to those who are preachers, leaders and ministers here and now in the 21st Century.
Being a minister is a complex mix of responding to the numerous requests of church members and organisational hierarchy. Whether in a ‘mega-church’ with an extensive staff team, or a solitary minister with a large group of churches, the demands and expectations are considerable. So, amidst all those commitments, how do we endeavour to imitate Christ?
Unhealthy calling
As with society at large, many church ministries have become busier and busier, and those who undertake such work, have increasingly experienced physical and mental health difficulties. Efforts to balance the needs of the home situation also contribute to increased marriage and relationship breakdown among clergy. Many ministers (often unwisely) don’t take time off or holidays. Many are driven by a (sometimes unhealthy) sense of vocation and calling and a reluctance to say ‘No’ or to let others take part in the work involved. Sadly, it is no wonder that so many become unwell and, at worse, find their ministry is diminished and curtailed.
WWJD
Jesus often found himself to be at the beck and call of many. Followed by crowds wanting teaching and healing, approached by individuals needing his help and, like many ministers today, trying to tackle the unrealistic expectations of other people!
So, if as ministers and preachers we are endeavouring to be imitators of Christ – we need to ask ourselves what would Jesus do? Here are three thoughts for you…
Firstly, Jesus equipped others and accepted offers of help
This can be seen for example, in the feeding of crowds (John 6:8-9), the sending out of the disciples and others (Luke 10:1) and dealing with practicalities (food (John 4:8), a room to meet in (Matt 26:18) and a donkey (Matt 21:1-3)). \
Jesus did not see himself as the one who was to do absolutely everything. He sent out the disciples (named and unnamed, men and women) to do the work. Sometimes, our inability or reluctance to involve other people means that they are not enabled and equipped for ministry – and can often be left feeling less valued as a result.
Secondly, Jesus said ‘No’ – or at least, ‘Not right now’
This can be seen for example, in response to Jairus (Mark 5:22-24a, 35-42) and the healing of Lazarus (John 11:1-6, 11-44). Some people didn’t like it at first, in the same way that some respond to us, but by delaying the ‘expected response’, God was glorified and I would imagine Jesus himself was in a better place to carry out his ministry.
Sometimes, taking time to reflect on a situation produces a better outcome than an instant response.
Thirdly, Jesus took time off.
We might call them ‘sabbath moments’. He prayed before, during, and after events and encounters, often going to the hills or a separate place to pray (eg Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12, Matt 14:22b-23). He spent time relaxing with friends (eg John 12:1-2). After a long walk in the heat of the sun, we see him stop for a rest and a drink (John 4:6) and take time to sit by the well. The well which, as he would explain to the woman from Samaria who came to it, provides ‘living water’. The same living water from which we too are to drink.
No one is called to be busy. If we are to be imitators of Christ, we are to do what Jesus did: and that includes stopping and resting - allowing God the space to fulfil his purposes through us.
So, what will you do next? Take time to sit by the well.
Further reading:
GoHealth guide to avoiding, or recovering, from burnout
Working from a place of rest, by Tony Horsfall (BRF, 2010, 2023)
Author: Richard Frost
Richard Frost is a Licensed Lay Minister and married to a vicar. A former mental health and employment specialist, he serves on the Clergy Wellbeing Panel of the Diocese of Exeter. A regular contributor to Preach Magazine, he is also the author of four books and writes a blog at WorkRestPray.
[1] Thomas Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, (Penguin Books, 1952)
many church ministries have become busier and busier, and those who undertake such work, have increasingly experienced physical and mental health difficulties.
