Ever start your week with great ideas about how it will go, only to reach the end of the week feeling unaccomplished and still unprepared for Sunday? We’ve all been there!
Research has shown time and time again that, as humans, our attention is drawn to time-sensitive tasks over tasks that are less urgent, even when the less urgent offer greater rewards.
This psychological quirk explains why we’re so bad at task and time management. It’s why you keep hearing, don’t let the urgent (busy work) keep you from the important (long-term goals/vision). This simple guide can help prevent the “urgency trap.”
There’s one page for each week of the year, beginning on the first Sunday in January, with plenty of space for you to focus on what matters. It also offers insights about what’s coming in your church and encouragement to help you get there. By Looking ahead, you can be more intentional, and by Looking Back, you make sure you incorporate experience and wisdom into those aspirations. You’ll learn a little but plan a lot.
Each page of The Pastor’s Planner is similar, but you’ll notice timely advice matched to the season of ministry in your church with
resources to help you overcome any common “pain points.” Print the entire packet or just the relevant page.
Either way, 15-30 minutes of focus each week can really help you focus on what’s most important in your ministry.
Each day gives you a chance to look back and forward.
Look Back
- Next Steps: Note what follow-up, if any, is required to make sure nothing
falls through the cracks from last week’s efforts. - Key Takeway: This is a simple place for you to reflect on last week and
capture a lesson learned.
Look Forward
- Crucial Outcomes: When you get to the end of the week, what results
do you want to celebrate? Outcomes aren’t tasks; they are achievements. - Action Items: Jot down a few key tasks for the week, making sure
they are connected to the desired outcomes. - People: Remember, ministry is about people so ask God to bring key
relationships to mind. - Church Fuel Resources: Done-for you member resources to help you get done what needs to get done so
you can focus on ministry – they’re only a click away! - Think About This: This short challenge is time-sensitive. It’s meant
to let you know what’s coming and give you something important to
work on. - Inspiration of the Week: Think and meditate on this verse, quote, or
prayer point as you move throughout your week.
