“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV
Over the past three weeks we have been looking at Dr. Scalise's principles of self-care. The purpose is not so that we may look better when we're at the beach this summer. The goal is to run this race we call life with perseverance and purpose. As I said when we began this series, church techs can sometimes struggle with anxiety, negativity, and burnout more than others who serve in the local church. I was just meeting with a new volunteer on our tech team this past Sunday morning and that was his story. That isn't the life we are offered by Jesus. Therefore, let us throw off the things that hinder us from running.
[Editor's Note: Here are links to the previous two editions of this series on self-care for church techs:
A CHURCH TECH'S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE: PART 1
Self-care is important because when we get “squeezed” whatever is on the inside comes out.
A CHURCH TECH'S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE: PART 2
Why is self-care important? We need to be equipped and ready when we are called on to help carry the burdens of others. ]
See earlier articles for items 1-10.
11. “Learn to have realistic expectations of yourself and others.”
Why? Generally speaking, we are our own harshest critics. In my opinion, I never need to ask my audio tech if he heard the missed cue or the feedback. He felt the weight of it more than I did when all the heads turned back to look at him. Learn to have a reasonable level of expectation from yourself and your team. We all make mistakes. Own them, learn from them, let go of them and move on. Use discretion with yourself and others.
“Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,” Proverbs 2:11 ESV
12. “ Seek to resolve things that can be attended to easily and quickly.”
Why? “I sometimes see people take 90% of their time, energy, skill set, and focus and apply it to the 10% of their life that they can do almost nothing about,” says Dr. Scalise, “We need to reverse that.” He uses the analogy of when we get a pebble in our shoe or splinter in our finger. It is a tiny thing with a quick fix that causes a lot of discomfort. Identify the things causing the pain that you can quickly and easily do something about and act on it.
“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Galatians 5:9
13. “Learn to manage time by saying, “No” lest time will control you.”
Why? Time has a tendency to control us. Occasionally, we experience a technical crisis that requires immediate attention. This one principle of managing time is interwoven between several other principles, including triaging your daily life, creating outlets, resting, and sleeping. Learn what to say yes to and more importantly, what to say no to. Learn to schedule your time with your spouse and family, your rest and your sleep.
… there is a time for everything! Ecclesiastes 3:1-11:
14. “Learn to delegate to others when appropriate.”
Why? We control things and we love it. When it comes to letting go of our control and delegating to others we struggle. If we do not delegate we will run ourselves into burnout, without question. Dr. Scalise says, “The most secure leaders I know are the ones who can let it go.” He goes on to remind us “Cemeteries are full of indispensable people.”
Read the account of Jethro and Moses in Exodus 18:13-26. He reminds Moses that the thing he was doing wasn't good and that he would wear out. Moses listened and found able people to whom he could delegate.
15. “Find key people in your life to be accountable to.”
I like to think of this as having big brothers/sisters and little brothers/sisters. People in our lives to whom we can tell anything and they pour into us pointing us to Jesus…these are our big brothers/sisters. People in our lives that can tell us anything and we can pour into them and spur them on towards Jesus, these are our little brothers/sisters. To both, we are accountable. We need community.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8, ESV
Again, like previous weeks, how would you and those close to you rank you on a scale of 1-10 in these areas?
11. Having realistic expectations:
12. Resolving the easy and quick things:
13. Managing time:
14. Delegating:
15. Community:
If you look back over the previous weeks and all 15 principles you should have a good idea of some areas in which you do very well and others that you need help with. I challenge you share what God is showing you with others in your life. Be mindful that the whole purpose is to run with endurance by throwing off the things that hinder us. Don't lose heart and may God bless you in your running!
