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Augustine argued that God works in and out of time.  Therefore, youth pastors should not view time as a barrier, but as working in our favor.  Time should NEVER be a problem when youth pastors are managing their youth ministries and personal schedules.  But why do we still say “only if I had enough time, I would do [fill in the blank]”?  The problem is we are not giving what is important enough time.  Lack of time is actually lack of priorities.  Youth pastors are responsible for their time, we always have a choice to say NO.  If our paycheck and people’s expectations are controlling our schedules this is merely adolescent behavior.

Youth Pastors need to understand that we can be more effective by doing less.

Youth pastors shouldn’t be trying to do more in each day, and trying to fill every second with a “ministry opportunity.”  Doesn’t it feel great jumping from meeting to meeting?  It is great knowing that people want to meet with us.  Unfortunately, being busy is an illusion for being productive.  Sometimes we do a lot of good youth ministry stuff to avoid what really needs to get done.  Think about it?

How many times have you avoided the tough phone call and checked your email instead?

Being busy is a form of sloppiness and laziness.

Every youth pastor needs to learn how to be most effective.

According to Timothy Ferriss in his book:  The 4-Hour Work Week, states that effectiveness is doing the things that get you closer to your goals.

Youth pastors need to know they need to work hard and keep their priorities and boundaries.   Youth pastors have to evaluate not how many hours they are working, but what is being accomplished in the allotted time.  I want to stress that working 8 hours doesn’t necessary mean high productivity.  Isn’t it funny that if we know we only have 3 hours to get something done, 9 out of 10 times we will get it done.  Why do we get it done?  Because we are focused and aware of our allotted time period to complete the task.

Focus, be selective, and do less is the ultimate principle for high productivity.

Action steps:

1.        Every single time you step into your office take a post-it note and write down the top 3 -4 tasks/goals that need to get done in that day.  Make sure to post this post-it note on your computer screen or keyboard so you are always reminded of the task at hand.

2.       Identify and clarify what things keep you busy.  Basically identify what are your go to “time wasters”.  My time wasters are:  facebook, twitter, email, and randomly checking my cell phone. Once you have compiled a list of your time wasters, eliminate them from your work day.

3.       Don’t multi-task.  Multi-tasking increases your chances of losing focus.

Now quit reading this post, and go get things done.

© 2009, Jeremy Zach. All rights reserved.