STRETCHING HOURS IN YOUTH MINISTRY
It's that time of year! Schools are back in session and life in youth ministry will be in full swing! That means the quiet halls of the summer will now be full of the life and energy. As a youth pastor, I would have it no other way, but it is not without challenges. Not many years ago, besides running a leadership college, as I looked at my schedule I would see...
My first of 4 conference calls with around 120 first year Cadre people (my mentoring program for youth pastors) one day. The second year call not too far behind. I knew that the three two-day fall advances in my home would be here soon as well.
My meeting with my amazing Youth Leader's Coach Board of Directors would be right around the corner in early October. It is my honor every year to have them back in my home, but I know there is some work to do before they get here.
All of this would be done while directing the youth and young adult ministries at Victory World Church, a thriving body of believers with over 15,000 people in attendance each weekend located in Norcross, Georgia, located on two campuses, and speaking at a few places across the nation.
I'm often asked "how in the world did you do it?" Allow me to let you in on a couple of my secrets...
All that to say, I'm not bionic, but through the years I've been working hard to master the art of maximizing both my time and energy. Oh by the way, vitamins help too!
My first of 4 conference calls with around 120 first year Cadre people (my mentoring program for youth pastors) one day. The second year call not too far behind. I knew that the three two-day fall advances in my home would be here soon as well.
My meeting with my amazing Youth Leader's Coach Board of Directors would be right around the corner in early October. It is my honor every year to have them back in my home, but I know there is some work to do before they get here.
All of this would be done while directing the youth and young adult ministries at Victory World Church, a thriving body of believers with over 15,000 people in attendance each weekend located in Norcross, Georgia, located on two campuses, and speaking at a few places across the nation.
I'm often asked "how in the world did you do it?" Allow me to let you in on a couple of my secrets...
- Practice "on the way" youth ministry. Have you ever noticed in the New Testament how many times Jesus did ministry as He walked from one place to another? The Gospels are full of accounts where it says something like, "While Jesus was on the way, He talked with His disciples and taught them." Jesus gives us great insight. Make your in-between times count. I rarely ran an errand without someone from our youth ministry in the car with me. Smilingly, I also rarely made a trip to the church restroom without someone walking with me. Just consider making use of all those "on the way" moments.
- Practice with savage consistency "The Pareto Principle." Pareto was an economist who simply said "20% of your efforts in any given endeavor will create 80% of your results." It's an interesting concept when applied to time management in youth ministry: "20% of your time will produce 80% of your results." How does that translate to getting more ministry done in a minimal time block? I think it shows us the importance of defining our priority tasks and our priority people. Then as much as possible, attempt to prioritize those "multiplying priorities" first. Often, the most important tasks or people get pushed to the bottom of our list because they don't scream "NOW." So take the time to identify your 20% and then work to truly put those projects or people first. That will make your limited time much more eternally fruitful.
All that to say, I'm not bionic, but through the years I've been working hard to master the art of maximizing both my time and energy. Oh by the way, vitamins help too!