If I would describe a “normal” week, this is what it would look like. It rarely happens exactly like this. I try to keep it flexible enough that I can respond to urgent needs.
Monday: Sabbath (6pm Sunday evening until Monday evening)
- I turn off all notifications, but I will see if I missed a call.
- If it’s an emergency, call Lynn or try my number until I answer or call back.
- Monday evening, I’ll check messages and finalize my schedule for the week.
Tuesday: Admin and Communications – No appointment bookings
- Write Pastor Letter
- Record 144 Hours Teaching
- Empty email inbox
- Respond to messages
- Plan for evening meeting if applicable
- First and Second Tuesdays are CORE/Board meetings
Wednesday & Thursday: Sermon Prep and Visits – afternoon and evening appointment bookings
- Sermon prep in the morning
- Visit people or one-on-one meetings at church in the afternoon and/or evening
Friday: Sermon Prep and Admin – appointments only by direct request
- Finish sermon
- Finalize sermon outline in bulletin
- Clear email inbox
- Finish up any administrative work from the week
- Sometimes I participate in youth or teach the devotional there
Saturday: Review Sermon and Social Activities – afternoon appointment bookings
- An hour or two of review and internalize sermon
- Participate in social activities
- If everything is done and I have no appointments, I will take most of Saturday off
Sunday: Church and Week Wrap-up – afternoon appointments only by direct request
- Arrive at church office around 8:00
- Sermon review until 10:00
- Worship Team prayer time at 10:10
- Usually home around 1:30
- Publish sermon video/podcast and notes
- Wrap up any communication or admin related to the church service
- If I have time, I do a preliminary reading of the passage for next Sunday’s sermon
Priorities:
- Attending to people: I try to check in with multiple different people each day throughout the week.
- Study: writing, teaching, sermon.
- Ministry/Leadership Meetings: CORE Comm., Board, Worship, ministry leaders.
- Admin: Emails, messages, planning, record-keeping, information requests, etc.
- Misc. Other: Anything related to work that is not included above.