Our chemistry instructor at Houston’s Nimitz High School, Mr. McClenny, had an amazing ability to guide students through the most complex of scientific processes. To this day, should the need arise, I can balance difficult chemical equations using basic algebra, determining how much of what compounds are produced when I have x amount of y and z reagents. One never knows in ministry when such talents are required.
Seriously, though, Mr. Mac taught us that, while there might be numerous complicated paths to a solution, should you find a simple path to routinely solve the problem, take it. I don’t know that he actually said it, but he definitely taught us to work smarter.
When I consider the work of ministry today, I find myself returning to Mr. Mac’s lessons. Congregations face a flurry of problems, some as mind numbing as a chemistry exam. And there’s a tendency for leaders, in a rush for solutions, to embrace complex programs developed by well meaning partners that don’t quite fit. Ministers attend seminars, learn new steps to take, only to return home discouraged about how to work it into what they are already doing. It’s time to work smarter.
But how? I’m still wrestling with this in my own practice of ministry, but let me share three lessons I’ve learned.
First, clear room in your schedule. Few churches struggle because their pastors and staff don’t work hard. In my experience the opposite is true. With their servant hearts, vocational ministers are prone to being workaholics. And so, even when they are convinced that they should embrace a new practice, they find little time.
Here’s what helped me. As a pastor I was encouraged to complete an exercise listing every task I did relative to my ministry assignment. I was then challenged to note which were (1) essential to my pastoral calling, (2) important to the church that I take the lead, (3) important but could be delegated, (4) of minimal to no importance, and finally (5) really NOT a good use of time. Admittedly there were a few 4s and 5s. And I had to add family commitments and regular time off to #1, essential to my calling. But I found the greatest liberty at #3, when I found several responsibilities I could delegate, some to staff, others to church members.
Try it. Unless your church is down to a handful, there ought to be members who can visit the hospital, teach a class, or share a ministry task or two, perhaps even lead a prayer meeting or plan an activity.
Second, make use of the people available. I’m not advocating that we make unqualified members elders, but surely your church members can do more than teach Sunday School and be greeters. Invest in developing people, notice among the faithful who has a servant heart or shows potential for leadership, and as they grow delegate responsibilities to them. Coach them along. Help them when they fall. In the end you will have a stronger team and lighter load.
One of the most fruitful seasons in my experience as a pastor almost didn’t happen. Our church, located near an air force base, had a rule that someone had to be a member for more than a year before they could serve in any capacity. In practice it was more like two years. The problem was that, when Christian military families considered a church, they were seeking a place to serve. Our deacons held firm to their rule until a crisis, the terminal illness of our young adult minister, left this vital ministry with no leadership. After months refusing to let a godly First Sergeant step into the role, they finally changed their position. This change opened the door to an extended season of growth as new members found their place as partners with us.
Finally, and I hinted at it in the first point, consider time for rest and family as essential. The stress of family disruption adds weight to the most balanced pastoral schedule. Some, like medical issues and prodigal kids, cannot be avoided. But we add unnecessary burden when we fail to maintain proper rest, recreation and family care.
The Lord continues dealing with me in this area, as I wrestle with the concerns of not one but one hundred congregations. Even so, I’m drawn to my teacher’s wisdom to work smarter. You’ve read my suggestions. What would you suggest to help your fellow pastors and staff leaders to work smarter? Let us know in the comments below.
Blessings,
Bro. Jim