When I ask people what their biggest challenge is, they always reply, not enough help, teens aren’t committing, parents are disengaged, and various other issues. These are real issues that can be solved; the problem is that we’re SO BUSY WITH EVERYTHING ELSE. In other words, there is never enough time, and ministry feels like a game of survival.
Time management is a huge issue in ministry, especially when we are expected to cover much ground with minimal resources. Knowing where to start and what comes first isn’t always easy. We jump into the day as if we have blindfolds, only to leave it feeling tired and wiped out. If you want to stop playing survivor and build a ministry that brings peace of mind, then you need to:
Most of us know that God comes; first, family is next, and then work is usually third. There will be times when work comes before family, but our priorities usually fall in that order. The issue isn’t always knowing what matters most but remembering it. The way we remember it is by SLOWING DOWN our decision-making.
Reflecting on those questions will help you sort out what’s urgent and what’s important. It might mean missing a great opportunity or not completing everything that needs to get done, but over time it will lead to peace of mind because what matters most is being addressed.
It’s easier to improve your productivity when you measure your work. There are various tools, from software on your computer (I use Rescue Time) to an old-fashioned planner (I use the Monk Manual), that can help you look at what you are doing well and what needs improvement. Even blogging and journaling have helped me know what’s holding me back and what’s helped me grow.
Yes, it will take time to review your progress, but developing this habit will save you so much time. You’ll be able to identify certain habits or individuals that create distractions. You’ll know when your mood is right for certain types of work. You’ll boost your confidence by looking at what you’ve accomplished.
Knowing your priorities is key to focused work, but so is eliminating distraction. A new habit that I’ve begun to embrace is DEEP WORK. With deep work, I’m working harder, but not longer. I’m putting more into a task because I’m not distracted. I let my coworkers know that when the door to my office is closed or my headphones are on (even if there isn’t music), it’s because I’m focused. When I know I have to really drill down, the phone is silent, and social media is gone. When the deep work is done, I can then relax and refresh.
You might be reading this and thinking, “Chris, even if I do all these things, I have way too much on my plate.” That’s where managing your time is so important. You’ll give yourself the ability to step back and look at the bigger picture. You’ll be able to increase your margin to think outside of the box. And it’ll give you the data and language to go to your pastor and talk about what you really need to get the job done.