When I was in high school in the mid-1980s, I took a class that taught me how to use a typewriter. One of the first things we learned was the importance of margins. Margins gave definition to the page, provided breathing room for the reader, and framed the words so the page looked balanced and organized. Without margins, the page would feel crowded and chaotic.
Having spent more than thirty years in ministry, I can say with confidence that margin in ministry is a necessity. Margin is intentional space built into a pastor or ministry leader’s schedule for rest, refreshing, clarity, and calm in the midst of ministry’s demands.
Here are four reasons why you need margin in your life.
Margin Creates a Safety Buffer Against Burnout
Burnout is a real concern among ministry leaders. According to a 2025 Lifeway Research poll, 67% of pastors and ministry leaders feel they must be available to their congregation around the clock and are unable to step away from ministry responsibilities, even for short periods of time.
With such demands, pastors must intentionally build margin into their lives. Margin serves as a safety buffer that protects against exhaustion and helps provide longevity in ministry.
Margin Gives Breathing Room for Greater Focus
The blank space on a printed page gives the eyes room to focus on what matters—the words. In the same way, margin in a pastor’s life provides breathing room to focus on the ministry to which God has called him.
When a pastor knows there are moments ahead when he can step away from the demands of ministry, he can give greater attention and focus to the ministry in front of him. Margin does not distract from ministry; it can actually help us engage ministry more effectively.
Margin Gives Room for Refreshing and Sharpening
I once heard the story of two men competing to see who could chop the most wood in a day. One worked continuously, taking only a brief lunch break. The other took several breaks throughout the day. At the end of the day, the second man had chopped more wood.
When asked how that was possible, he replied, “I took breaks, but while I was resting, I was sharpening my axe.”
Margin gives pastors and ministry leaders the opportunity to step away from ministry long enough to be refreshed and sharpened. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is stop. It is often in those quiet moments that we experience God’s presence most clearly and allow Him to prepare us for continued ministry and discipleship.
Margin Gives Space for Rest and Resetting
Many of the times I have experienced frustration in ministry have come when I was physically and emotionally exhausted. The demands of ministry had become so great that I had neglected rest.
Mark 6:30-32 gives us a powerful example. After Jesus’ disciples returned from ministering throughout the surrounding areas, Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” They had been preaching, teaching, healing the sick, casting out demons, and dealing with rejection and the demands of ministry. They were tired, and Jesus recognized their need for rest.
His solution was simple: rest.
We will never reach our full potential as pastors and ministry leaders if we refuse to make room for rest. Jesus understood that His disciples needed time to step away, eat, rest, and be refreshed.
The same is true for us. Margin is not wasted time. Margin is necessary space. Just as margins give definition and balance to a printed page, margin gives definition, balance, and breathing room to our lives and ministries.
So, what should we do in order to create margin in our lives? Let me finish with a couple of action steps to take.
Action Steps:
1. Identify the activities that fill your cup – What is it that refreshes you and fills your cup spiritually, relationally, and emotionally? For some, it may be a hobby that you enjoy. For others, it may be time spent with your family, and for some, it may simply be taking a nap. Whatever that activity might be, identify it and make time to utilize it to fill your cup. Your cup must be full in order to pour into the lives of others.
2. Schedule time on your calendar for margin – Be intentional about scheduling time for rest and refreshment when planning your calendar each month. Recognize the importance of margin. Block out the time. Make it an item of priority.
3. Protect this time in your schedule – Don’t allow the demands of ministry to rob you of your time to “sharpen your axe.” Be willing to say “no” to some good things, in order to say “yes” to those things that are important for your spiritual health.
4. Communicate the importance for margin with your family and leadership – Make sure that your family and your church leadership understand the importance of protecting this time of margin.
If we want to serve God faithfully for the long haul, we must learn to leave room for margin.
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Wade Lott is the Pastor Wellness Catalyst, Northeast Region, for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
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