Other people’s time: Cultivating punctuality and reliability in church leaders …

In many churches across the country, the scene is all too familiar: a pastor rushes in late for a meeting, apologizing to the people waiting on him. Across town, a church member anxiously glances at her watch, wondering if her pastor will remember their counseling appointment. Meanwhile, the voicemail box of another pastor is perpetually full, leaving church members feeling disconnected and overlooked. These scenarios underscore a pervasive issue in church leadership: the neglect of disciplined and respectful time management.

Time management might seem like a mundane concern compared to the spiritual and pastoral duties of church leaders, but it is an essential aspect of effective ministry. When pastors and church leaders are consistently late, miss appointments, or are difficult to contact, it sends a message — intentional or not — that their time is more valuable than the time of those they serve. This not only undermines trust but also diminishes the effectiveness of their ministry.

Consider Pastor Joseph, who is notorious for his tardiness. Church meetings never start on time, and church members have learned to add a buffer to their schedules whenever they have an appointment with him. While Pastor Joseph is well-loved for his compassionate heart and engaging sermons, his chronic lateness frustrates his staff and church members, eroding their respect and confidence in his leadership.

WAYS CHURCH LEADERS MISMANAGE TIME
1. Chronic lateness. Consistently arriving late to meetings, services, or appointments disrupts schedules and communicates a lack of respect for others’ time.

2. Overcommitting. Taking on too many responsibilities without realistic time allocation leads to a perpetual state of hurry and incomplete tasks.

3. Poor scheduling. Failing to maintain an organized calendar, leading to double-bookings or missed appointments.

4. Inaccessibility. Being difficult to reach, whether through phone, text, email, or in person, can make church members feel neglected and undervalued.

5. Lack of preparation. Showing up to meetings or services unprepared wastes time and diminishes the quality of leadership.

6. Not following through on schedules. Even when using calendars, failing to stick to the planned schedule can cause frustration, unnecessary inconvenience, and a variety of problems for others. If an appointment is at 8 a.m., arriving at 8:10 or 8:15 — or even 8:30 — is not acceptable. It shows a lack of thoughtfulness towards church members who arrive early and respect the scheduled time.

These behaviors not only affect the leaders but also negatively impact others, causing frustration and a sense of disrespect. Persistently managing time poorly sets a poor example for church members, undermining the values of respect and consideration that are central to Christian church life.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MORE EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT
1. Prioritize tasks. Recognize that not everything can be done at once. Focus on what aligns with your core responsibilities and the church’s mission.

2. Set realistic schedules. Avoid overcommitting by realistically assessing your capacity and setting boundaries. Block out time for preparation, personal growth, and rest.

3. Be punctual. Make a habit of arriving early to appointments and meetings. This shows respect for others’ time and sets a positive example for the congregation.

4. Maintain an organized calendar. Use digital tools or planners to keep track of appointments, deadlines, and tasks. Regularly review and adjust your schedule to stay on top of commitments.

5. Communicate clearly. Ensure that church members and staff know how to reach you and set clear expectations for response times. Utilize voicemail and email effectively, ensuring messages are checked and returned promptly.

6. Prepare thoroughly. Arrive at meetings and services prepared. This not only saves time but also enhances the quality of your leadership and the experiences of those you serve.

7. Maximize available resources. If delegation is not an option due to limited staff, prioritize essential tasks and seek volunteer assistance from trusted church members. Training and empowering church members can significantly lighten your load.

8. Follow through on commitments. Ensure that you stick to your schedule. If an appointment is at 8 a.m., arrive at 7:55 a.m. Respecting the time of other people demonstrates thoughtfulness and reliability.

HONOR OTHERS BY RESPECTING THEIR TIME
Effective ministry is not just about managing your own time; it’s must include valuing and respecting the time of those you serve. When church leaders commit to punctuality and follow through on their schedules, they demonstrate thoughtfulness and respect for others. This not only builds trust and sets a positive example but also enhances the overall effectiveness of their ministry.

Scotty