Thursday, Week 6 “Office Work,” Taylor Shanks

I think the shift I’d like to see is the shift becoming more of a balance between the trend of the 1970s and the trend of the 80’s.  The role of a pastor these days is a mix between the role of someone who prepares a sermon to preach the Word of God and someone who has other responsibilities, including administrative responsibilities in the office.  Having too much work in the office cuts out of time for preparing and being active in ministry.

            In an ideal world, there would be time I would put aside for each task, for both preparing a sermon, administrative needs and other aspects of ministry.  As a pastor, I think its crucial to be organize, with either a physical planner or some sort of computer program with your schedule, Microsoft Outlook, iCal, whatever.  Spending time preparing for a sermon, I would imagine 1 ½ to 3 hours a day, so 10-15 hours a week, meting maybe 6-10 hours a week, counseling 4-5 hours, and outreach 2-4 hours.  As a pastor I believe that my family and personal time with the Lord are also important, so I think having time with them should also be included in the schedule.  As pastors we must realize that our job is not merely preaching, that we have other roles as a spiritual leader of a church and a great responsibility to help the needs of our people.  Disregarding professional responsibilities such as administrative work or any office work would be disregarding our call into ministry, we are called to be there for all, in and out of the office.