Do you feel appreciated as a pastor? 

Pastor Appreciation month comes and goes. Some pastors receive cards, text messages, gift cards, or an epic church potluck dinner. They feel appreciated and motivated to care well for God’s flock.

Other pastors? Maybe some pastors feel like their congregation participated in “Forget About Your Pastor” month. There was no celebration in the fellowship hall, no handwritten card, not even a simple “Thank you”. The thankless days pile up and the desire to persist in ministry plummets. 

Whether you’re a pastor that feels appreciated or a pastor that experienced another thankless month, I want to encourage you to go forth and “Love Thy Members”. 

Why should pastors love their members during the good times and the difficult times? Here are three of the many reasons why God has summoned pastors to love His people:

• Members Belong to God - Stepping stones are used to create a pathway to an intended destination. The members of your church are not steppingstones for a larger ministry destination. They are the bride of Christ who are bought by the precious blood of the Lamb. So, brothers, reflect on the value of those in your congregation and then go in the Name of Jesus and care well for their soul. 
  
  
• Members Are Doing the Work of the Ministry - Whether it’s leading a group overseas, surrendering to full-time ministry, leading community outreach events, and more, pastors have grand visions for the people of God. Having a grand vision for the people of God is healthy and Biblical (Ephesians 4:13-18). 
  
  However, love your members where they are, not where you want them to be. If you only love the grand vision you have for the people of God, you will miss the work God is currently doing through them.
  
  Do you have a member that cuts the grass on the church property? Do you have a member that prays daily for their family? Do you have a deacon that faithfully teaches a Sunday School class? Publicly rejoice over the work God is already doing in their lives and privately surrender your plans to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. 
  
  
• Members Are Tired - I understand the exhaustion you are currently experiencing. For more on facing exhaustion in ministry, read this post. Yet, Paul said in Acts 20:28, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.” As you pay careful attention to yourself, remember that the members of the flock God called you to serve are also exhausted. The changes forced upon from the pandemic have been a strain on everyone. Care well for your own soul, and from the overflow of your self-care, go and care well for the tired members in your congregation. 

How do you care for the members of your congregation? Share creative ways you care for those God has called you to serve. 

Hi, I’m Karl Vaters and I’m a small church pastor. I’ve spent over four decades in pastoral ministry, the last 28 at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Fountain Valley, California, where my wife Shelley and I served for 25 years as the lead pastor, and the last three years as the teaching pastor. I also write and speak about pastoral leadership from a small church perspective through books seminars and articles. I love hiking, especially through canyons and in high elevations. Every few years I go through extra training to do a one-day, rim-to-rim walk through Grand Canyon.

What is your motivation to remain productive in your area of leadership?
Since recognizing that my pastoral calling was to minister in a smaller congregation, I became aware of how few resources are targeted to the unique needs and strengths of small churches. So now I work hard to find, create and make small church resources available.
My motivation comes from recognizing that the Lord has placed me at a cross section of four important concepts 1. The massive number of small congregations in the world (about 90 percent of churches), 2. The amazing ministry small churches do, 3. The massive need for small church resources, and, 4. My decades of experience in this overlooked niche.

What productivity advice would you share with new leaders in leadership?
For many years I labored under the false (or at least limited) perception that the key to greater productivity was time management. In reality, managing my energy is far more important. When we concentrate on time management alone, we become hamsters on a wheel. We might get more done, but we can still burn out on a never-ending cycle of tasks. But when we concentrate on our outflow and input of energy we can start taking greater control of productivity in every area of life, spiritually, physically, emotionally, organizationally, you name it.
For example, putting an hour into a task while emotionally, physically or spiritually exhausted is not just unhealthy, it’s also far less productive than getting half an hour of rest, exercise, or prayer followed by half an hour of renewed, energized, and motivated work.

What are some tools or resources you would recommend to leaders that help you in your productivity?
There are several productivity tools and apps that help me a great deal. But, since they change regularly based on my needs and newer technology, my advice would be this:
Use whatever productivity apps and resources that help you. But regularly make an objective assessment of their true value. Are they actually helping you get the most out of your limited energy, or are they demanding even more from you? Don’t make the mistake of being controlled by your emails, your productivity app or your devices.

Where can leaders find you? 
Find me at KarlVaters.com, a website devoted to Helping Small Churches Thrive.

How to Publish Your God-given Message While Marketing Your Ministry
By Rigel and Jenna Drake-Garcia, founders of MarketProfessionally.com

In a brief paragraph, share your background: area of ministry and how long you’ve served in ministry; include any hobbies you have that you intentionally make time for.

We help Christian influencers market their God-given message, so they can share it with new audiences, while helping them save time and utilize their resources more efficiently. Our self-publishing services help influencers turn their God-given message into a book, and our marketing services help them connect with people who want to hear more about their message and what they have to offer, or invite them as a speaker for a speaking engagement. 

Over the past 10 years, our calling to serve authors, speakers and ministry influencers in spreading their God-given messages is based on Isaiah 52:7:

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that says unto Zion, Your God reigns!

It’s interesting that many of our clients have been serving in business or ministry for years now, whether it be teaching in Christian bible schools, ministering at their churches or serving in various leadership capacities, and are now finding themselves in a transitional period where they want to be an influencer in their niche, or they want to expand the reach of their God-given message and what they do beyond their current sphere of relationships.

One of the most valuable ways we serve people, is working with influencers one-on-one to draw out their God-given message, which helps them to discover how they serve and bring value to others at a deeper level. Our clients love this process as they begin to see the correlation of how their God-given message naturally lines up with the transformation they desire to see in the lives of others. 

We also help our authors learn more about their audience, and how to take a more reader-focused approach with their message. Oftentimes, when writing a book, our approach can be, “this is my message, and I know this is really going to help you. Now, let’s begin...” We get excited about the revelation we’ve been given, and then we start outlining our message. There is nothing wrong with that, but we want to encourage you to take a little bit more time in this planning stage, especially since we are writing a book. 

When you know what you want to write your book about, it’s time to take a slow step forward by asking yourself, what do the readers of my message really want right now? What is their challenge in this situation? Now, how can I help them get to where they want to go through this message? As we take a deep-dive into these questions, we find ourselves with more confidence and fervor when it comes to our message and those we are serving. It also makes the book writing process more organized, purposeful and enlightening. One Pastor shared, “I have outlined so many sermons throughout my life, but this brings things to a whole new level. I really appreciate this, and could not have done this by myself.”

Some of the hobbies Rigel and I intentionally make time for are going to the gym with our three children, fishing (Rigel), and worship (Jenna). We also love doing worship and music sessions at home as a family, which are quite fun. We also like to laugh and play around. Family is very important to us, and so is work-life balance.

Q1 - What is your motivation to remain productive in your area of ministry? 

Rigel: “To see the body of Christ achieve its full potential. There is a satisfaction inside of me when I know I am doing the will of God, and what He has called me to do. The only real way to leave a legacy behind is through the message of Jesus Christ, which God has given to us. This is the greatest gift He has given us to share with others during our time here on Earth. For those who have a specific message burning inside of them, we want to help them bring out that message because that is their spiritual legacy.”

John 4:34, KJV: "Jesus said unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

Jenna: “To see ourselves operating in our full potential as we do what God has called us to do, and to help people work together with others. I love seeing people shine in their gifts, while working well with others to accomplish a project—it is like a beautiful symphony to me. As we steward well what God has given us, we are able to see the beauty of what God can do, especially as we commit our work unto Him.”


Psalm 133, KJV: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.”

Q2 - What productivity advice would you share with new leaders in ministry? 

1. Know your priorities, so that you can allocate your resources accordingly. 

2. Create systems that you and your team can leverage over time.
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3. Work with others, and focus on what you are good at, so that together you can make a greater impact. 

Your dream is bigger than you, and God will call others to labor alongside you. Remember, He will provide, so that you have abundance for every good work, and so that those who work for you will receive the provision they are believing for, as well.

Q3 - What are some tools or resources you would recommend to leaders in ministry that help you in your productivity?

For those who are looking to help spread their message in a more productive way, we have free trainings at both SelfPublishProfessionally.com and MarketProfessionally.com, and we are always developing more for people who want to speak, or develop their God-given messages. We also welcome you to schedule an appointment with us, if you would like to learn more. We would be happy to discuss how we can help you serve others with your message in a more impactful way, and to discuss the marketing resources and automation tools we have available to help you market your God-given message, while helping you save time and utilize your resources more efficiently. God bless you!

 Working Smarter: Making The Most of Your 24 Hours
By Tricia Sciortino, CEO of BELAY

Fifteen years ago, I was the No. 1 District Manager at a large retail chain and for 12 years, my job had me traveling and working 80-hour weeks, including weekends and holidays. 

Then, a pivotal life moment: I had my first daughter. 

And I – like many other parents – found myself struggling to balance my demanding career with my new role as a mother. And after a year of trying desperately to juggle both – being as a present a parent I could be while leaving nearly everything I had on the road week in and week out, I had had enough. 

I walked in one day and gave notice, having no idea where I’d go and what I’d do next. All I did know, however, was that wasn’t it.

Three months later, after a move from New York to North Carolina where I knew no one and had absolutely no idea what I’d do, I met and started working as an assistant for someone for five years.

That someone – Bryan Miles – came to me in the midst of a tanking economy with a proposition: He was leaving his current organization to start his own business – what would become BELAY – and asked me to join him.

I should’ve said no. But my gut said yes, so I did, too.

From its first employee as a Virtual Assistant to now serving as its CEO, my ‘why’ for brazenly walking into that office and quitting my retail job those many years ago remains the same: my family. 

So regardless of the acronym alphabet soup that has sandwiched my name over the years – VA, VP, COO, CEO – I am fiercely committed to making the most of my working hours because when it’s time for my family, I won’t compromise.

And I achieve it with very intentional scheduling and time-blocking to maximize my productivity during my working hours.

Here’s how.

Scheduling & Time-Blocking: Making The Most Of 24 Hours 

So much to do, so little time. 

But really, maximizing productivity comes down to — in large part, anyway — strategizing your week by prioritizing their tasks to schedule time for meetings, activities, appointments, deep work, and administrative duties. It also includes blocking for fundamental items like project work, scheduled days off, family and friends, and even fitness or other health goals. 

Establishing your Ideal Work Week is an effective way to keep your priorities in line, increase productivity, and make your work easier because you'll be better equipped to anticipate what lies around the corner.

What This Looks Like In Application

If you're not familiar with the rock, pebbles, and sand jar analogy, the short version is that our time is like a jar, in which we must find room for all our rocks, representing the most important projects and things you have going on; the pebbles, representing the things in your life that matter, but that you could live without; and the sand, representing the remaining filler tasks.

My preference is to have three or fewer meetings every day. Knowing that, my virtual executive assistant will schedule my days and block time accordingly. 

Using the Ideal Work Week and time-blocking helps me …

• Save time and increase efficiency 
• Stay accountable to my priorities and time management goals
• Establish a weekly rhythm by grouping similar types of meetings and tasks to increase my productivity and focus
• Align certain tasks and meetings for when I am at my best and have the energy to complete them. For example, I’m sharpest in the morning, so I schedule my most important meetings or strategic work then.

It looks a little something like this … 

• Determine your big rocks:
  • Meetings 
  • Appointments and Other Prior Engagements
  • Travel Time
  • Other Top Priorities, Like Family

 

• Determine your pebbles:
  • Project Time
  • Administrative Duties
  • Strategizing
  • Meeting Prep
  • Paperwork

 

• Determine your sand:
  • Email
  • Phone Calls
  • Social Media
  • Coffee With A Friend
  • Self-Care Activities

 

• Establish recurring time-blocks:
  • Top Priorities
  • Prep Time
  • Recurring Blocks
  • Self-Care Blocks

Sow Today, Reap Tomorrow
I understand that as a leader, when you actually stop and think about all the things you do every day, all the things begin to add up – and quickly. I understand that, at least initially, trying to compartmentalize everything into tidy, neat blocks of time is overwhelming at best, and seemingly impossible at worst.

But you can do this. I balked. I pushed back. I still get my hand slapped by my VA when I slip into old, bad habits – though not as often as before.

So once you've created your ideal work week – and this is the tough part – you have to commit to it and live it. 
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You can only maximize your productivity at work and have time to cherish and capitalize on the other – arguably more important – parts of your life when you commit.

And for those of us who need the extra support – read: hand-slap – from an executive assistant to maximize our productivity, my book, Rise Up & Lead Well: How Leveraging An Assistant Will Change Your Life & Maximize Your Time, has got you covered.
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In it, I share everything I’ve learned – sitting on both sides of the desk – about how to work successfully with an assistant so you can, too.

To learn more about BELAY or Tricia Sciortino, click on the social media icons below.

A good shepherd will care for the sheep by spending time with the sheep. Jesus said in John 10:14 (ESV), “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me...” Our good shepherd is with us always and promised never to leave us. Yet pastors are called to “shepherd the flock of God (First Peter 5:2),” and part of that call is to spend time with God’s flock. 

Pastors realize early on in ministry they are not omnipresent, but their love for God’s flock does not cease when they cannot gather. So, pastors pray. Pastors schedule time to lift God’s flock by name to the Chief Shepherd.

The pastor will also set aside time to make a pastoral phone call to the member(s) who cannot gather physically with the rest of the flock. While the phone call does not replace the physical presence of the pastor, the phone call can be spiritually edifying for the flock of God. 

Most often, once you begin with an opening question, the conversation will flow. However, should there be a lull in the conversation, here are ten straightforward questions that can open the door for purposeful discussion. 

1. Family - How is your family doing? Do they have any living relatives? If so, ask about their family. Do they live close? If not, do they speak with them often? Asking about relatives will demonstrate your pastoral care extends beyond a hollow exchange of pleasantries. 
2. Visitation - Have you had any visitors lately? We are created for interaction, not isolation. Being aware of visits (social interaction) can help understand the state of their emotional well-being. 
3. Hobbies - What are some things you have been doing to pass the time? Do they have any favorite books? Television shows? Discussing this question can open the doors for ministry. Can your church drop off a collection of books, word-find puzzles, or DVDs? Listen intently with outreach as the target. 
4. Local Congregation - Has anyone from the church called? The role of the pastor is to care for God's church (First Timothy 3:5), not to be the sole care of God's church. Are they hearing from members? Write thank you notes to those who are making calls. Equip those who are not caring for one another (Ephesians 4:12). God is honored, and the church is unified when God's people care for one another. 
5. Spiritual Care - How are you doing spiritually? Peter encouraged his readers in Second Peter 3:18, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." The call to spiritual growth continues even if God's people cannot physically gather. By asking them to share about their spiritual condition can be the portal to how the pastor can best lead them on their spiritual journey.
6. Congregation Prayer - How can our church pray for you? The church in Acts was glued to prayer, and often prayed for one another. Most people are encouraged when they know the congregation joins together and are committed to praying for them. Don't forget to ask for their permission to share the request with the congregation.
7. Outreach - Is there anything our church can do for you? Look for ways to get others involved in their lives. Can someone pick up groceries for them? Do they need any home repairs? When the church loves one another, God is glorified, and your community will recognize those you lead are disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35). 
8. Pastoral Prayer - How can I pray for you? Pastor, pray for those you are leading. Add their name and prayer needs to your personal calendar. Include in the description their request and any additional notes. Give assurance of the date and time you will personally pray for them. Shepherding God's flock is best done when you lift His flock up to the Chief Shepherd in prayer. 
9. Pastoral Service - Is there anything I can do for you today? Is there an immediate need that you can assist with? I asked this question and later found myself at the grocery store searching for denture cream. There was an immediate need that God allowed me to help meet by simply asking this question. 
10. Immediate Prayer - Can I pray with you before we hang up? Ephesians 6:18 says, "...making supplication for all the saints." Prayers are comforting. Prayers are encouraging. Praying before you hang up allows you to speak on their behalf to the Chief Shepherd immediately. While the Chief Shepherd hears our prayers, the one you are praying for will also hear your prayer on their behalf. Knowing their pastor cares enough to call, genuinely listen, enthusiastically serve, and immediately pray will strengthen and encourage those you lead. 

What are some helpful questions you fall back on when you make pastoral calls to those whom God has called you to lead? Leave your comments below to serve other leaders in the ministry.