Mat Stribling, an elder at my church, served us well with his talk entitled “Rescuing Leisure from the American Dream.”
Here’s the outline:
Introduction: Defending Leisure’s Necessity
I. Definition: What is Leisure?
A. Work-Play Continuum
B. Three-part Definition
- Time: discretionary
- Activity: intentionality
- Purpose: enrichment
II. Problems: Identifying Some Issues with Leisure
A. Axis of Error
B. Five Problems in Leisure
- Not enough
- Poor quality
- The inability to value leisure apart from work
- Guilt over enjoyment of leisure
- Leisure as idolatry
III. Theology: Thinking Biblically about Leisure
A. Leisure Is Intended by God
B. Leisure Isn’t a Waste of Time
C. Leisure Can be Corrupted
IV. Ethics: Choosing the Right Activities
A. Leisure Means Choices
B. Social Functions of Leisure
C. Stewardship of Leisure
D. Four Key Questions
- Is it helpful? 1 Cor 6:12
- Is it tyrannical? 1 Cor 6:12
- Is it hurtful? 1 Cor 8:13
- Is it worshipful? 1 Cor 10:31
E. Balance and Moderation
Conclusion
Related:
- This book is by far the single most helpful resource on work and leisure I’m aware of: Leland Ryken, Redeeming the Time: A Christian Approach to Work and Leisure. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1995.
- Called to Work (the corresponding talks I did on work)
