Lifeway founder Thom S. Rainer understands that time management is one aspect that many busy people struggle with and if it pains ordinary folk to juggle their schedules just so they can find time to do the things they need to, the problem could be even more difficult for those in ministry.
In his recent podcast, Rainer first advised faith leaders to stop spending time on mundane things even if it is part of their routine because time that is wasted on the trivial things like checking mail can be better spent doing something else that is much more productive.
This is precisely why he asked pastors and ministers to not be perfectionists but rather focus on being good. "Sometimes, time spent going over something again and again in an attempt to make it perfect results in losing more time instead of saving them," he said.
Rainer also suggested good delegation and training up church staff, apprentices or interns to eventually take over a task that does not need the pastor's personal touch.
"Learn what equipping really means. It means come alongside me and lets work together and see what I do so that later you can pick it up and do that. So what is it that I can do that after some time, someone else is able to do it? So what's the best way to transmit that information," he said.
Taking on potential interns, especially if one's church is near a Bible college, is fairly easy as there are a huge number of volunteers who are willing to learn, especially if it's free.
Prioritisation is also a key to saving time. What needs to be done should be done first, which is basically differentiating between what we want to do and we have to do.
"Put everything on your calendar. Everything, and if possible put more time in it than you need because that could give you some cushion. You need some contingency, thats an hour a day thats open but thats on your calendar for anything you need. This is helpful for pastors and those on the vocational ministry," he said.
While finding time can sometimes be difficult especially for the demanding work in ministry, Rainer cautioned pastors against compromising personal devotion and family time.
This was not the first podcast from Rainer on the topic as he last year guided ministers on managing their time better and suggesting saying no to church member requests, and going on a television and internet diet to focus time better on the ministry.
