In The Contemplative Pastor, Eugene Peterson’s chapter “The Unbusy Pastor” presents a countercultural vision for pastoral ministry, challenging the modern notion that a busy pastor is an effective pastor. He argues that busyness is not a sign of faithfulness but a barrier to deep, meaningful ministry.

Let’s explore his key ideas in greater depth.

1. The Problem of Busyness in Pastoral Ministry

Peterson observes that many pastors today are caught in a cycle of constant activity, often measuring their worth by how much they accomplish. However, he insists that this hyperactivity is neither biblical nor beneficial.

A. The Illusion of Importance

• Many pastors equate busyness with significance, believing that being constantly occupied proves their dedication.

• Peterson challenges this notion, stating that busyness can actually be a form of pride—a way of proving one’s importance rather than depending on God.

B. The Trap of Endless Demands

• Churches often expect pastors to be accessible 24/7, attend countless meetings, and be involved in every aspect of church life.

• This distracts from the true pastoral calling, leaving little time for prayer, study, and personal spiritual growth.

C. Busyness Can Be Laziness

• Paradoxically, Peterson suggests that being busy can actually be a sign of laziness—not in effort, but in focus.

• A pastor who fills their schedule with endless tasks and obligations may be avoiding the deeper, harder work of spiritual leadership—listening to God, engaging deeply in people’s lives, and cultivating wisdom.

2. The Calling of an “Unbusy Pastor”

To counteract the pressure to be busy, Peterson proposes a pastoral vision centered around three key priorities: prayer, preaching, and presence.

A. The Pastor as a Person of Prayer

• Instead of being consumed by administrative duties, a pastor should prioritize prayer as their primary work.

• Prayer is not just an item on a checklist; it is the foundation of a healthy ministry.

• Peterson reminds pastors that their effectiveness comes not from their productivity but from their intimacy with God.

B. The Pastor as a Careful Preacher

• Instead of rushing through sermon preparation, an unbusy pastor takes time to meditate on Scripture and prepare sermons that nourish the soul rather than just entertain or inform.

• Pastors must resist the pressure to produce and instead cultivate a preaching ministry that is deeply rooted in God’s Word.

C. The Pastor as a Listener

• An unbusy pastor is fully present with people, not rushing from one conversation to the next.

• True pastoral care requires attentiveness—not just hearing words, but truly understanding people’s hearts.

• This means slowing down and making time for genuine relationships rather than just fulfilling duties.

3. The Contemplative Pastor: A Biblical Model

Peterson’s vision is deeply biblical, reflecting how Jesus and early church leaders approached ministry.

A. Jesus Was Never in a Hurry

• Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16).

• He was interruptible and fully present with individuals, from Nicodemus (John 3) to the Samaritan woman (John 4).

• His ministry was defined by depth, not speed.

B. The Apostles Prioritized Prayer and Teaching

• In Acts 6:2-4, the apostles refused to be distracted by logistical concerns, stating:

“It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables… we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

• Like the apostles, pastors today must resist the temptation to become managers rather than shepherds.

4. Practical Steps for Becoming an Unbusy Pastor

Peterson’s vision is not just theoretical; it has practical implications for how pastors should shape their daily lives.

A. Saying No to Non-Essential Tasks

• Pastors must set boundaries and learn to say no to activities that distract from their primary calling.

• Not every event, meeting, or request requires the pastor’s presence.

B. Cultivating Solitude and Reflection

• Pastors should intentionally schedule time for prayer and reflection rather than just reacting to demands.

• Solitude is not wasted time—it is where spiritual renewal happens.

C. Prioritizing Deep Relationships Over Superficial Busyness

• Instead of trying to be everywhere for everyone, an unbusy pastor focuses on a few deep relationships.

• Jesus Himself invested deeply in twelve disciples, not the entire crowd.

D. Resisting the Culture of Productivity

• Pastors should redefine success not by numbers or programs but by faithfulness to God’s calling.

• A healthy ministry is one where the pastor is spiritually nourished, not just constantly working.

Conclusion: The Power of an “Unbusy” Pastor

Eugene Peterson’s The Contemplative Pastor challenges the modern obsession with busyness and efficiency in ministry. He calls pastors back to their true calling—to be men and women of prayer, deep preaching, and attentive presence.

Rather than being caught up in the urgent, pastors must focus on the important:

✔ Seeking God in prayer.

✔ Preaching with depth and conviction.

✔ Being truly present with people.

By embracing this unhurried, contemplative approach, pastors can experience greater joy, deeper impact, and lasting faithfulness in their ministry.

Sermon: “The Unbusy Pastor”

Text: Mark 1:35-39 (Jesus’ Priority in Prayer)

Theme: Faithful ministry is not about busyness, but about deep, intentional connection with God and people.

Introduction: The Danger of Busyness

• How often do we hear someone say, “I’m busy!” as if it’s a badge of honor?

• In ministry, busyness is often mistaken for faithfulness—but is it?

• Eugene Peterson, in The Contemplative Pastor, challenges this mindset, calling for pastors and leaders to be unbusy, prayerful, and present.

I. Jesus: The Model of an “Unbusy” Leader

(Mark 1:35-39)

A. Jesus Prioritized Prayer Over Productivity

• Mark 1:35: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

• Even though crowds were waiting for Him, Jesus knew that prayer came first.

• Ministry flows from intimacy with God, not from frantic activity.

B. Jesus Refused to Be Controlled by People’s Expectations

• Mark 1:37-38: “Everyone is looking for You!”

• Instead of running to the demands, Jesus said: “Let us go somewhere else.”

• He was not controlled by the urgent but focused on the important—His mission.

C. Jesus Chose Depth Over Distraction

• He didn’t rush from miracle to miracle, meeting to meeting.

• Instead, He discipled twelve men deeply, changing the world through them.

• True impact comes from deep, intentional ministry, not endless busyness.

II. The Traps of a Busy Pastor

A. Busyness is Often a Form of Pride

• We sometimes think, “If I’m not busy, I must not be important.”

• But ministry is not about proving our worth, it’s about being faithful to God.

B. Busyness Can Be an Escape from True Ministry

• It’s easier to attend meetings than to spend an hour in prayer.

• It’s easier to keep a full calendar than to deeply invest in people’s lives.

• But the real work of ministry happens in prayer, preaching, and presence.

C. Busyness Leads to Spiritual Burnout

• Many pastors burn out, not because they don’t love God, but because they never slow down.

• Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

• An exhausted pastor is not an effective pastor.

III. The Three Priorities of an “Unbusy” Pastor

(Eugene Peterson highlights three key areas that a pastor must focus on.)

A. The Pastor as a Person of Prayer (Acts 6:4)

• “We will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

• The most important thing a pastor can do is spend time with God.

• If Jesus needed prayer, how much more do we?

B. The Pastor as a Thoughtful Preacher (2 Timothy 2:15)

• Instead of rushed sermon preparation, we must carefully study and apply God’s Word.

• Preaching isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation.

• Deep preaching comes from deep time in God’s Word.

C. The Pastor as a Present Shepherd (John 10:11-14)

• Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep by name.

• Ministry isn’t about attending every meeting; it’s about being present with people.

• Slow down, listen, and truly walk with people through life.

IV. Practical Steps to Becoming an “Unbusy” Pastor

A. Learn to Say “No” (Luke 10:41-42)

• Jesus told Martha that Mary had “chosen what is better.”

• Not everything that demands your attention deserves it.

• Say “no” to good things so you can say “yes” to the best things.

B. Schedule Time for Prayer and Study First

• If prayer and study aren’t scheduled, they will be pushed aside.

• Block off sacred time for God, and guard it as the foundation of your ministry.

C. Focus on a Few Deep Relationships

• Jesus didn’t try to disciple everyone; He poured into twelve men.

• Deep ministry comes from investing in a few people who will impact others.

D. Measure Success Differently

• Success isn’t measured by busyness, attendance, or programs.

• It’s measured by faithfulness, obedience, and spiritual depth.

Conclusion: An Invitation to Slow Down

• God doesn’t call pastors to run faster, work harder, or do more.

• He calls us to abide in Him, shepherd His people, and be faithful.

• Let’s commit to being “unbusy” pastors who prioritize prayer, preach with depth, and truly care for people.

Closing Prayer

“Lord, help us to reject the busyness that distracts us from You. Teach us to slow down, to be present, and to serve You faithfully. May our ministry be rooted in prayer, shaped by Your Word, and marked by love for Your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Study Guide: “The Unbusy Pastor”

Theme: Faithful ministry is not about busyness but about deep, intentional connection with God and people.

Key Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

Study Objectives:

• To evaluate the dangers of a busy ministry.

• To understand the biblical model of an unhurried, prayerful, and intentional pastoral life.

• To apply practical steps to slow down and refocus on what truly matters in ministry.

Discussion Questions:

I. The Danger of Busyness in Ministry

1. Why do many pastors and church leaders feel the need to be busy?

• What are some of the cultural or personal reasons behind this?

• Have you ever equated busyness with faithfulness?

2. Read Mark 1:35-39. How did Jesus model an “unbusy” approach to ministry?

• Why did Jesus prioritize prayer even when the crowds were waiting for Him?

• What does His response in verse 38 tell us about focusing on mission rather than demands?

3. Peterson suggests that “busyness can be a form of pride or laziness.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

• How can being overly busy be a sign of pride?

• How can busyness be a way of avoiding the harder, deeper work of spiritual leadership?

II. The Priorities of an “Unbusy” Pastor

4. Read Acts 6:2-4. What did the apostles prioritize in their ministry?

• What does this passage teach about the primary role of a pastor?

• How does this contrast with many modern expectations of pastors?

5. Eugene Peterson emphasizes three key priorities for an “unbusy” pastor:

• Prayer (Luke 5:16; Acts 6:4)

• Preaching (2 Timothy 2:15)

• Presence (John 10:11-14)

Which of these areas do you personally struggle with the most? Why?

6. What does it look like for a pastor to be “fully present” with people instead of just rushing through duties?

• Have you ever felt too busy to truly listen to someone in need?

• How can we cultivate deeper, more intentional relationships in ministry?

III. Practical Steps to Becoming an “Unbusy” Pastor

7. Read Luke 10:41-42 (The story of Mary and Martha).

• What does Jesus say is the better choice?

• How does this apply to how we manage our time and priorities in ministry?

8. Peterson suggests four ways to become an “unbusy pastor”:

• Say no to non-essential tasks (Not everything that demands your attention deserves it).

• Schedule time for prayer and study first (Before meetings, events, and administration).

• Focus on a few deep relationships (Jesus discipled twelve, not thousands).

• Measure success by faithfulness, not activity (Spiritual depth, not attendance numbers).

Which of these is most difficult for you? What steps can you take to implement them?

9. Think about your weekly schedule.

• Are there activities that distract from your primary calling as a pastor?

• What is one practical change you can make this week to slow down and focus on prayer, preaching, or presence?

Application Challenge:

This week, intentionally slow down in one area of your ministry. Choose one of the following:

✅ Spend extra time in prayer instead of rushing into tasks.

✅ Deepen your sermon preparation by removing distractions.

✅ Be fully present in one conversation without thinking about your next task.

At the end of the week, reflect:

• How did this change your experience of ministry?

• What did you learn about God’s priorities for your role as a pastor?

Closing Prayer:

“Lord, free us from the trap of busyness. Teach us to serve You with a heart rooted in prayer, a mind filled with Your Word, and a presence that truly shepherds Your people. May we seek faithfulness over productivity, depth over distraction, and intimacy with You over the approval of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”