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15 Productivity Tips for Pastors

10. Get More Sleep

In our world of smartphones and computer screens, it is easy to stay up late reading one more social media post, answering one more email or binge watching another show on Netflix. But we cheat ourselves when we cheat sleep.

Sleep is proven to boost productivity. It gives you more energy, increases your brain function, helps you stay more focused throughout the day and helps you stay emotionally healthy. God created sleep for a reason.

11. Take a Sabbath

Working every day is a sin. We wouldn’t break any of the other Ten Commandments. So why do pastors frequently break this one?

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work.” (Exodus 20:8-9, ESV)

Clear your schedule one day a week for absolutely nothing. Enjoy your family and activities that give you life. No, Sunday does not count. We all know that pastors do not rest on Sundays. God commanded us to rest for a reason.

12. Drink Coffee in the Afternoon

If you get enough sleep, you shouldn’t need an energy boost first thing in the morning. What you need is energy in the afternoon. In fact, research backs this theory based on natural cortisol levels.

Most people start to hit a wall in the afternoon between 1:30 and 5 p.m. That is when a cup of coffee will have the optimal effect. So find the time of day you are at your worst and drink your coffee then.

13. Organize Your Office

How much time do you waste looking for things? A cluttered office is a cluttered mind. If you cannot see the surface of your desk, you need to get organized. If your computer files are all dumped on the desktop or random folders, you need to get organized.

Create a system, organize your files, throw away things you don’t need, and keep your space tidy and clean. You will have less stress, feel better and get more done working in an organized environment.

14. Don’t Go Alone

Lead like Jesus. Jesus walked with his disciples everywhere. Every ministry opportunity was also a teaching opportunity. Don’t go places alone. Disciple people as you work together.

Always be inviting others to come with you when you have errands, hospital visits, leadership conferences, go out for lunch or whatever. You will accomplish the task and build a disciple at the same time.

15. Prepare for the Next Day at the End of Each Day

At the end of your day, write down the five things you will accomplish the next day. This way, your mind is already prepared for what needs to be done. When you get to the office in the morning, you can hit the ground running.

Also, tidy up your office. Put things back where they belong. File or throw away any loose papers. This will eliminate distraction in the morning because you will come back to an organized and clean space.

These are some tips I have learned, but I am still learning.

Have you tried any of these?