What does a pastor do?

One of the best ways we can lead ourselves and be most effective in life is to manage our time well. As a follower of Christ this is one area of my life that I constantly focus on, pray about and examine. I juggle time for my marriage, children, the ministry, family, God, friends, chores etc. etc.

Many people often ask, "What does a pastor do during the week?" All you work is on Sunday's right?

Below is a general overview of a typical week on how I invest my time. I am in no way perfect and am constantly striving to grow and become better. The one thing I do strive for is for Jesus to be the center that everything flows out of.

Sunday's--The day starts between 5-5:45am to pray and read my Bible. 6:45am go to the "box" to help the Grunt Team B set up. After church (1:00pm) I'll often go out to eat with my family or with someone from the church. . I'll work on administrative stuff for the following week until 5 or 5:30pm.

Monday's--My Sabbath Day (Gift Day)--I won't answer my phone all day or look at emails. My wife will check it in case of emergencies. I'll spend extra time with Jesus and with my family. We try to do a family fun activity and act out a Bible play as a family. Will return calls & emails on Tuesday.

Tuesday--Get up around 5:15am to read my Bible & pray. Attend the Men's Coffee Group at Tim Horntons. Work on administration until 11am. During the summer I get to take Brianna to violin lessons at 10:30am twice a month). Noon is Rotary every week. After Rotary I spend a few hours downtown Wyandotte going from business to business meeting people, talking and building relationships. Will work on my sermon until 5-5:30pm

Wednesday--I spend half the day doing chores, cutting the grass etc. The other half is devoted to working on my sermon and emails. I often will set up appointments in the evening (marriage counseling, bible studies etc.)

Thursday--Try to get up at 6am to spend time in prayer & read my Bible. I will spend the early morning in prayer & finishing up my sermon for Sunday. I will make many phone calls to the leadership team to touch base and catch up. Twice a month I meet someone early in the morning at Tim Hortons to mentor another gentleman.

Friday's--Spend time in prayer & reading my bible at 7am. Twice a month I go to the Wyandotte Business Association meetings at city hall. I will often try to spend the a few hours after as well meeting people and building relationship int the city. I will finish the day until 5pm on administration, phone calls & final prep.

Saturdays--Will spend the day finishing up on any lose ends from the week and getting together with people. I spend the evening going over my message and praying.

**Not included in list: Weekly call to my prayer partner, daddy dates with my girls, dates with Julie, leadership meetings once a month, meeting with people in the church as needed, city council meetings, connection groups, Third Friday's, monthly sectional Assemblies of God meetings, creative planning meetings, or running

The important thing for a pastor is to be flexible as needs arrive. However there are some things that stay consistent.

I've tried my best to be authentic. I constantly work on my schedule and ask God to guide me. I want to lead myself so I can lead others!

Iron Man

What a great Father's Day Gathering. We continued our series "Heroes" and looked at the super hero "Iron Man." He conquered many villains and saved many lives but had a hard time leading himself personally.

We looked how a true iron man leads others by leading himself first. So how does a man lead himself...by allowing God to lead him.

We looked at 1 Kings 19 and how Elijah stood in the presence of God. When he stood in the presence of God he...

#1--Heard this still small voice of God

#2--He was able to unload his frustrations & stress on God
#3--God gave him a new perspective of his current situation

#4--God sent him back & re-called him to the very place he was running from

When we get into the presence of God the same amazing things happen to us as well. I know you want to be a great father, husband and follower of Christ. I know you want to be a leader. A real iron man leads others by leading himself first.

Let's make it a priority this week to spend time with God every day on our own. If you don't know how, just ask someone you know to help. You can journal, worship, read your Bible, go for a prayer walk or drive or just sit and talk to God in your living room. Let's pursue God and hear his voice, pour out our hearts to him and allow His voice, perspective & calling to lead us every day!

Thor: Humility

Today for Heroes part 7 we looked at the comic super-hero "Thor." His Father Odin wanted to teach him humility so he striped him of his powers and sent him to earth as a human.

We talked about true greatness and God's definition of humility...HUMILITY + SERVING = TRUE GREATNESS.

Think of someone in the past who took time to genuinely serve you. What kind of impact did it have on your life then? Does it still have an impact?

Why do you think it was so important for Jesus to have that special moment where he washed the disciples feet?

Even though we don't wash feet like that anymore in our culture, what are some things that we could do that would be very similar?

How can you remind yourself this week of God's definition of true greatness?

With Great Power Comes Great Responsiblity

This past Sunday we continue our "Heroes" series as we looked at Spider-Man. The famous quote, "With great power comes great responsibility" came from Peter Parker's Uncle Ben. How ironic, that the same thief that he could have stopped and captured but let go because of apathy, was the same thief that robbed and killed his Uncle Ben.

Apathy may not always kill things that visually however don't be deceived, apathy kills. Apathy always kills something in our lives that is beautiful.

The story found in the book of Nehemiah is amazing at how we often settle to live in ruins when God has intended so much more. I pray that we authentically seek God and consistently ask Him to reveal areas in our lives where we have grown complacent. Let's wake up and rebuild the walls in our lives! Let's take action and not settle for anything less that what God has created us and called us for!

Captain America: You Can Change the World

This past Sunday we talked about changing the world. Sound like a cliche? Seem like it's too big of a task? Make you feel small?

There are so many needs and so many problems (not including our own), that we often become overwhelmed or apathetic and end up doing nothing.

I used a quote from Andy Stanley, "Do for one, what you wish you could do for everyone."

Who is one person that you could pray for, call, facebook, email or text? Who is one person you could go out for a cup of coffee with? Who is one person you could focus on and serve.

To the world you may only be one person but to one person you could be the world!