So what are the potential pitfalls every pastor (really anyone) will face as soon as he is committed to becoming more productive? Here are a few suggestions:
Strangling Sovereignty. As one who believes in, values, and enjoys a robust understanding of God’s sovereginty, I understand the tension that can often be felt when trying to become more focused and productive. I understand that God guides every step despite by best intentions. As someone (I can’t remember who) has said, we write our plans in pencil and understand God owns the eraser. Never think that our goals, plans, projects, tasks, and ultimately our productivity is either up to us or accomplished in our own ingenuity. Furthermore, when providence destroys the perfectly planned productive week you sketched out, rejoice! Don’t fret or sweat in frustration. God is sovereign. Our productive desires can never strangle his perfect providential plans.
Frustrating Friends. Another pitfall when we aim to be productive is that we will inevitably frustrate some of our friends; especially those not given to our bent for greater productivity. I do this to the best of my friends. I need to be less self-focused and considerate of others. Yet, I can plan my work and work my plan, running right over those I consider ministry partners and friends. Be careful of this. Neither frustrating them by our precise planning, nor succumbing to other’s lack of planning needs to cause us any lack in being effective at what we do. Flexibility is required – but not so flexible that we are useless.
Projects Above People. Sometimes this is a false dichotomy. Often times my responsibilities (which can be called a project) are people related – people focused. Yet, I can approach my day and my responsibilities as if it were merely a box to check and a task to complete. Kindness, consideration, and patience must prevail and pervade all my activities. Futhermore, for those of us who are considered very ‘task-oriented’ people, we can often spend all day behind the desk and little time in fruitful and necessary conversation with the flock. This is a constant pitfall to be watchful of.
People Above Projects. Let’s be careful of the reverse as well. Spending time with people can become misspent time if we are not careful. Shooting the breeze can be good; and it can be bad also. If you neglect the necessary study of the word and thus become so shallow that you have little to feed people in preaching or more personalized shperding, you have ill served them. Simply filling your week with appointments with people does not mean you have done what is best or most helpful, even for the people with whom you have met. Make sure you have a good sense of biblical, purposeful direction in why, how, and when you are giving time to others. We have to always guard against a lack of productivity with the excuse that were were simply “with people.”
Merely Getting Things Done. Some are “get-things-done” sorts of people. They have no real plan, nothing is tied to greater priorities or biblical responsibilities. They simply see something that needs done and they “get’er done.” Great. But that doesn’t necessarily make them productive. Some things should be done by others. Some things should be left undone become other responsibilities are more important. Again, being driven by a sense of God-given priority is essential.
Self-Centeredness. This is me. I can excuse my arrogance with the veil of productivity. Oh how this sin needs to be regularly checked in my heart. I must make sure that when I have said “no” I have a God-focused, Christ-honoring reason for doing so. Every week I need to think through my actions and activities to ensure that they are not merely me-pleasing, but helpful for others, fulfilling what God has called me to.
What else would you add?
