By Jessica Goebel
The Great Resignation. Quiet Quitting. Loud Vacationing.
These aren’t just trendy headlines. They’re signals from the workforce that something is out of balance. For those in human resources and management roles, these phenomena are red flags that employees are burning out, disengaging and yearning for deeper meaning and purpose in their work.
Having recently transitioned from a production-based organization to the world of ministry, I’ve witnessed firsthand that this longing knows no boundaries. Whether in corporate settings or sacred ones, people crave work that reflects their values, respects their dignity and nurtures their whole selves.
Within the All Things New planning process, one of the guiding principles for creating vibrant communities is Prudent Stewardship. This principle recognizes that every resource — human, financial, structural — is a gift from God. Stewardship is not simply about budgeting wisely; it’s about aligning our use of resources with the mission entrusted to us. When we steward our people and programs with discernment, compassion and accountability, we reflect the holiness of the work itself.
How to practice Prudent Stewardship in the workplace
How do we support healthy and sustainable work environments — especially in ministry? I suggest starting here:
- Prioritize and set boundaries
Discern what matters most. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your day, knowing that even Jesus stepped away from the crowds to rest and pray (Luke 5:16). Boundaries are not selfish, they’re sacred.
- Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps
- Set achievable goals with your supervisor
- Limit work hours and honor your time off
- Hold plans loosely
God often reshapes our day in ways we don’t expect. “If the Lord wills…” (James 4:15) is more than a phrase — it’s a posture of trust. Invite God into your schedule and leave room for divine interruptions.
- Practice self-care rooted in faith
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Honor it through rest and prayer. A few intentional choices can make a big difference:
- Start each day in prayer, silent reflection, or with a spiritual mindfulness app like “Pray As You Go”
- Reach out for support when overwhelmed
- Move your body and detach from screens at a consistent time each evening
- Communicate with clarity and courage
Ministry thrives on open dialogue. Don’t hesitate to say when the workload feels too heavy or misaligned with the mission. Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Capacity is a stewardship issue — addressing it protects both people and purpose.
- Give yourself grace
God’s mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). You were never meant to be perfect. Let go of your need to do it all and embrace the compassion Christ offers. Your worth isn’t measured in tasks — it’s reflected in the heart behind them.
The work of love
Employees who feel seen, supported and valued are the most dedicated and resilient contributors to any organization. Gratitude fuels this responsibility. In ministry, where the stakes often feel high and the resources stretched thin, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper call behind the work. On those days, I turn to the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Do small things with great love.”
Whether filing papers, building a budget or listening patiently to a colleague, none of it is wasted when done with intention and love.
And when demands grow, collaboration becomes our shield against burnout. We must remember that every new program, fundraiser, or initiative also comes with a hidden cost — on the shoulders of those who carry it out.
Jesus modeled this for us. After teaching for three years, he sent his disciples out, not alone, but together. This African proverb also captures the benefits of collaboration well: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Prudent stewardship is about more than efficiency. It’s about reverence for the sacredness of human work, and the sacredness of the human person behind it. By listening, adjusting and living our faith in workplace practice, we build environments where both mission and ministry flourish.
Jessica Goebel is the human resources coordinator for the Diocese of St. Cloud.