October 1 Update from Scott Lumsden

Pastors and Friends,

Many months ago, Eliana and I shared the difficult message that it was time to stop in person worship. Our message today is not as dire, but just as serious -- it's officially time to dial it back. What does that mean? It means whatever you're doing as a pastor, session, elder, volunteer, cut that in half and let the other things sort themselves out. That's right, it's time to do less.

Friends, every conversation now, whether in Seattle Presbytery or across the PCUSA, hits the same exasperating notes -- leaders everywhere are tired and running on fumes and don't know how much longer they can keep it up.

This why we are telling you that the time has come to admit to ourselves and to others that what we're doing is not sustainable -- that it's time to readjust (again!).

So what can you do?

1). Scale back. Stop doing at least one thing and reinvest that time in the thing that really needs doing, whatever that is.
2). Take the rest of what you are doing and reprioritize them by sorting things from highest priority to lowest priority.
3). Now, take the bottom half of that list and cross it off.
4). And now that you've done that, communicate to yourself and others what you have time for and what you don't (the top half of your list).
5). Don't take on any more duties, jobs, or responsibilities.
6). Go spend some time with your family and friends and recharge (in whatever way works for you).
7). Because your personal health and well-being matters.

Ok, I think you get the picture. Are we trying to tell you what to do? No, all we're saying is that the burnout you're feeling is real and is not going to go away. You need to reassess and readjust and be open and realistic about what is most important. That means prioritizing your time to get the essentials done -- both workwise and relationshipwise -- so that you can be present for those most important to you.

Friends, the long haul is getting longer and we're all feeling it. It's time to admit it and make some changes so that we can all make it through together.

Peace,

Rev. Scott Lumsden
Co-Executive Presbyter