Non-Church Hobbies for Busy Pastors

Rev. Dr. Michael Sloan offers UCC ministers a glance into the importance of cultivating interests outside of ministry, so that ministers can de-stress, recharge, and live life more rewardingly.

In July 2024, an acquaintance of mine, Chris, invited me to an event at an upscale cigar lounge that he had recently opened in Rochester, New York.  When I walked in, he gave me the grand tour.  He escorted me around the facilities and introduced me to some of the others who were in attendance.  About 30 minutes later, he pulled out a bucket of playing cards and said, “Alright, folks: We are going to begin our euchre tournament. Here are the rules…”  Like an elementary school kid, I raised my hand and said, “I have never played Euchre before. Can I sit this one out and not play?”  Chris looked at me and said, “No! You have to play!”  I was a little uneasy about the game since I had never played it before. 

Timidly, I walked over to a group of guys sitting at a table and said, “This is my first time playing, so I am not sure what to do.”  In the most kind, gentle, and patient manner, they explained the rules to me and said, “Don’t worry.  We all have to start somewhere.”  Believe it or not, for the next two and a half hours, I found myself really enjoying the game.  I loved it so much that I researched local Euchre groups that play weekly and joined them. 

Interestingly, about three years ago, I was sitting on the parsonage porch with my colleague (who pastors another congregation about 20 minutes away from me) and I said, “You know, I really need to get involved in some non-church related activities.  Everything I do is somehow tied to the ministry.”  My colleague chuckled, nodded his head, and said, “Yes, I know…same with me.”  

“This is the case with many pastors.  We are so busy with church and/or family-related activities that we lose touch with other life activities.”

This is the case with many pastors.  We are so busy with church and/or family-related activities that we lose touch with other life activities.  Having hobbies outside of religious life can be both fulfilling and positively challenging for pastors.  I am a firm believer that busy pastors need to develop healthy hobbies that are enjoyable, intellectually stimulating, and which can enhance their creativity.  This is exactly what learning to play the game of euchre has done for me.  It is fun, intellectually stimulating, and it definitely helps to enhance my creativity.

Recently, I stumbled upon an intriguing article about hobbies by Catherine Baker1.  In the article, Baker said:

Hobbies for Your Own Self-Care

As I have reflected on my own hobbies, I have found the words of Catherine Baker to be refreshing and revitalizing.  Engaging in new hobbies can enhance creativity, challenge pastors in a way that is not overly stimulating, help with mental illness, and assist in recharging their batteries. It is imperative for the busy pastor to begin cultivating healthy hobbies as part of a self-care routine.

Playing euchre helped me to take my mind off the demands of ministry and family life. It helped me to become more relaxed, recharged, and re-energized. 

Below are a list of healthy hobbies that busy pastors can explore:

1. Playing card games or board games
2. Exercising
3. Journaling/Writing
4. Painting
5. Roller skating
6. Bowling
7. Woodworking
8. Pottery
9. Photography
10. Cooking
11. Playing in a band
12. Quilting, knitting, crocheting
13. Starting a small business (I did this one. It is most definitely challenging and fulfilling.)

Whatever healthy hobbies you decide to engage in should be fun, relaxing, and fulfilling.  Since I began being intentional about engaging in new hobbies, it is a lot easier for me to face the demands of ministry and family life.  I also noticed that I am not as stressed as I was before.  With that being said, I strongly encourage all pastors to not be afraid to periodically step away from the demands of ministry and family life; and embrace the freedom and fun of old and new hobbies.