Enlisting Others

Time should not be an obsession with any of us. I joke about that for myself, but I have always been able to schedule in and to enjoy personal and family time along with basketball or jogging. But when we are working, why not make the most of it? Here are some suggestions that worked for me.

Let’s talk straight: Many pastors do too many details themselves. The best use of our time and strengths is probably in the study of Scripture, prayer, people, and overseeing—not stapling or filing. We have to get over the idea that asking someone to do this for us is demeaning to them. Many people are thrilled to be a help to the ministries of the church in this way.

Obviously, some churches can pay for an assistant to do these tasks. Others can get three or four volunteers who will help out for a morning or afternoon every week when possible.

One good way to get people to assist plus make or maintain friendships is to have a “Monday morning office party” or a “Thursday morning clean and staple day.” In the first case, the five or six people who come have their own Bible study and relax together with coffee, maybe with you or an office person spending a few minutes to thank and encourage or pray with them. Then they devote a few hours to folding or stapling or whatever else needs doing.

Other staff can help, if you have them. The last sentence in their job description should be: “Other things as assigned.” Don’t hesitate to assign other areas so that you’re not doing it all.

Many churches have two or three assistants. Without an office manager, one might have a light load and go slowly with work and another might have a heavy load. It seems wise to give one person the authority and joy of assigning work and keeping workloads balanced.

We’d love your reactions and additional suggestions about how to enlist people to help you with your time.