The Sacred Slowdown

Summer is right around the corner! More than likely your church might see a pattern similar to this play out: people travel, attendance dips, small groups pause and your inbox gets a little ... dare we say ... quieter.

If you’re anything like us, sometimes the extra space can make you feel kind of twitchy. But here’s the thing: that lull isn’t a problem to solve—it’s a rhythm to embrace.

Welcome to what we’re calling The Sacred Slowdown.

“Be still, and know that I am God… The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.” (Psalm 46:10–11)

First, the reality check (aka: you're not imagining it)

Across the board, churches see a 20–30% drop in attendance between June and August. It’s not because your sermons are worse (you’re great, promise)—it’s because:

• Families are out of town 
• Youth are off to camps 
• Mission trips are on the calendar
• Sports and lake days are calling

Now, the invitation (aka: what if this is a gift?)

Here’s the part we really want you to hear: This summer slump is not a time to spin up new stuff. It’s a sacred invitation to slow down.

What if you leaned into space? What if, instead of grinding harder, you:

• Worked from your porch or your favorite coffee shop a few days a week?
• Took a real, actual vacation? (Yes, even you.)
• Let your family make some summer memories with you in them?
• Walked slower. Slept longer. Laughed more.

What if this summer was less about strategy, and more about soul care?

The Psalms have this little word: Selah. It shows up 70+ times and likely means: “Pause. Reflect. Breathe.” Sometimes it was a musical cue. Other times, a liturgical breath. Either way, it’s holy.

And you, pastor, ministry leader, friend: You deserve a Selah.

But what about ministry?

It’s still happening, don’t worry. The Spirit doesn’t take summers off.

In fact, this slower pace opens the door for different kinds of ministry:

• Community events with fewer logistics and more fun (popsicles in the park, anyone?)
• Low-key family nights, block parties, or neighbor hangouts
• Short-term summer studies or simple, creative outreach
• And my personal favorite: restorative margin that actually prepares you for the fall

Speaking of fall … we know it will be full. The calendar will fill up, your vision will come back into focus, and your congregation will reappear. But take this time to rest so you can enter this next season ready. 

So here’s your summer to-do list:

✅ Take the trip
✅ Sleep in (a little)
✅ Preach shorter (you’ve earned it)
✅ Watch God move in the quiet
✅ Say “yes” to joy
✅ Let go of the guilt
✅ Choose your own Selah

You lead so faithfully. Week after week. Season after season.

This summer, take a breath. Take a beat. Take the break. Not because the mission doesn’t matter, but because you do.

Your Fishhook friends are here cheering you on—flip flops and all!