One observation that has struck me lately is how life comes in seasons. Probably the most famous passage in the book of Ecclesiastes speaks to the "times" or "seasons" of human life (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Another book which emphasizes seasons is Song of Solomon. The book recounts a love story between a man and woman who … Continue reading The Seasonality of Life
Productivity
Productivity Glossary
Here is a glossary of typical productivity terms. The point is to be able to get clear on things in order to record, track, and execute work more effectively. "Task" - A task is a small action. It is usually something that can be accomplished relatively quickly. For example, a task would be sending an … Continue reading Productivity Glossary
How I try to be productive (my productivity system)
Being productive is not easy these days precisely because it's easy to misunderstand what productivity really is. When you hear the word "productivity" might just think of getting a bunch of stuff done really fast (efficiency). You might think of shooting off and replying to emails. But I think a focus on efficiency or just … Continue reading How I try to be productive (my productivity system)
The Relationship between Projects and Systems
Ministries are a collection of systems and also contain a host of projects to be done. How do they relate? Before looking at how projects and systems relate, it's important to review what they are and the differences between them. Projects in ministry are time bound. Projects have deadlines. Because projects have deadline, this means … Continue reading The Relationship between Projects and Systems
Defining Projects
Tasks are not projects, which are not initiatives. Having distinctions like this in work can be really helpful in planning your week and making progress on things. Of course, I realize that the way I classify things may be artificial and unique to me, but it has helped me bring clarity to my work. So … Continue reading Defining Projects
The Family Firm by Emily Oster
Should you get your kid a phone? A seemingly simple question like that can be quite hard to answer. What kind of phone? A smartphone? A "dumbphone"? What will you say when your kid begins pestering you because all their friends have one? Emily Oster, in her book, The Family Firm: A Data-Driven Guide to … Continue reading The Family Firm by Emily Oster
Time Management for Mortals
Even though Oliver Burkeman is not a Christian, he has written a deeply Christian book. His book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, book could be summarized as saying, "You're not God!!" or as Moses wrote thousands of years ago, "Teach us to number our days, That we may present to You [God] a heart … Continue reading Time Management for Mortals
Leaders Plan
"Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable"Dwight. D. Eisnehower "Winging it" is not an acceptable ministry strategy. Show me a leader who doesn't spend time planning and I'll show you an ineffective leader. Planning is one of the most effective uses of a time for leaders because it sharpens their focus on what is really … Continue reading Leaders Plan
Pastor as Monk (Sort of)
Cal Newport has a solid older blog post on the concept of "Monk Mode Mornings." Essentially, going monk mode in the morning means spending the morning doing deep work and scheduling any other meetings/people time in the afternoons. Applying the monk mode to pastors would mean focusing on your sermon prep and writing during the … Continue reading Pastor as Monk (Sort of)
Overcoming Problems in Pastoral Productivity
No one is keeping track of when you clock into work or clock out. No boss is holding you accountable for how you spend your time. Sound like a fantasy world? Think again. It's the schedule of a pastor. The schedule of a pastor is almost infinitely flexible with no one really checking up on … Continue reading Overcoming Problems in Pastoral Productivity