Preachers: Time Management #1
“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6.7; ESV)
There are only 24 hours in a day even though we might wish there were more. If for some magical reason we were granted an extra two hours each day, we would still fill them with stuff and not use them to take a moment to relax and recharge. Time is precious and we should treat is as such.
For preachers, time management is a powerful class to take and it is usually taken at the School of Hard Knocks. As noted in some previous posts, the schedule of each preacher will be different due to the workload of their local ministry.
I would ask preachers to remember two things:
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Remember your purpose.
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Release expectations.
The verse listed above is a powerful reminder that preachers cannot do everything; we might want too, but we cannot. Even the apostles had to reexamine their purpose and redirect others to take an active part in the work of the church. Consider Acts 6.2:
“And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.’”
The apostles knew their abilities and knew that removing themselves from preaching the word to serve tables would not be the best use of what God had blessed them. As a result they mobilized others for the work and success was achieve.
It is my belief the apostles knew their purpose and stayed true to it. Consider Acts 6.3 as their purpose statement to those seeking a solution:
“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
The apostles knew where their true devotion should be and they release the expectations of others by mobilizing a group to serve. We need more ministers devoting themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. When the apostles chose to stick to their gifts and abilities, great things happened…
“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6.7; ESV)
Have preachers forgotten their purpose?
Have preachers left preaching the Word to serve tables?
Have congregations allowed (or encouraged) preachers to forget their purpose by involving them in other areas?
Just my thoughts,
Random Thoughts on Preaching
The thoughts below are totally randomness, some are definitely more worthy than others, but you may use them all. These are my personal thoughts and a reflection of my own experiences, work ethic, support and criticism.
Some of these random thoughts will be expanded during the month as various articles
Random Thoughts on Preaching:
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Preaching is not about the messenger, but the message.
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Preaching the gospel is planting the seed.
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Preaching the gospel is in the power of the text, not the power of the messenger.
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Preaching the gospel does not take place only on Sunday.
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Preaching means different things to different people, be yourself and maintain your ministry.
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The greatest review of Sunday’s sermon usually takes place on the car ride home or the dinner table.
Random Thoughts on Preachers:
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Preachers need a hobby outside of ministry to relieve some daily stress.
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Preachers need to take care of their physical health as well as their spiritual health.
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Preachers should not neglect their family over “their ministry.”
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Preachers should take one day off during the week to clear their heads.
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Preachers should not be held to the same standard as the previous preacher.
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Preachers need friends; too many preachers are isolated.
Just some random thoughts,
If I had to do it all over again…
After a short 15 years of ministry , I wonder what I would do if I had to start all over again. There are some things I would have done differently from the beginning and there are others I would have changed just a little. As with any career, if I had done each of these things, I am not sure if I would be in the same place I am now. I know God has a plan and a time for everything under heaven, but this is my reflection.
The words below may not apply to everyone, but they apply to my ministry. I know where I have been and have a plan to where I am going. Take a moment and read the list below.
If I had to do it all over again…
…I would read more. Read more books of leadership, psychology, finances, and most all of the Bible.
…I would pray for more patience before problems happen than during.
…I would have saved more money from the beginning, even though we had none to save.
…I would have spoken and gained wisdom from preachers who have sense passed from this life.
…I would have put my family before the church more.
…I would have invested more money in books than in McDonalds.
…I would have spent more time planting the seed instead of babysitting the saved.
…I would have studied more in counseling classes instead of slipping by.
…I would have said”no” much more and much earlier.
…I would have kept a journal from day #1.
…I would have done three things every day: #1- Read, #2 – Encourage, #3 – Write
All of these things are able to happen today, now I have to make them happen!
Just my thoughts,
31 Days of Writing about Preaching and Preachers
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
(Romans 10:14-15)
Every post this month, May 2012, will discuss as aspect of the life of a preacher. Every minister knows the lifestyle of a preacher of the gospel is different than the majority of other careers throughout the world. However, there are many similarities to other careers as well. Throughout this month it is my aim to write about things concerning a minister’s career many do not know and most will never experience.
It is difficult to write about a minister’s career because not only am I a minister, but I do not want to come off in a whining, angry, depressing fashion. I enjoy the career path I have chosen, I would do some things in the past differently, but I still enjoy the journey I am on.
As I write I would also ask for your prayers and patience. I am writing many of these through my own experience and the wisdom I have gained from others. I encourage you to join in the discussion using the comments below.
Thanks.
Here are a few past posts on preaching and ministry to start the month:
Just some thoughts,
Transparency Week – Day #4 – Wednesday
Wednesday was the day of Esther study! I spent most of the day studying Esther for our Bible class this evening. Our Wednesday Night adult Bible class has begun a study of Esther with emphasis on the providence of God in the lives of Christians today.
The lesson outline is on the post below this one.
Here is the video for the evening:
Thursday will be a pretty big day, but I look forward to talking to you then.
Just my thoughts,
Podcast Feeds
Some of What I am Reading
I use Elegant Themes
