Life Management - Managing Marriage, Motherhood, & Ministry With Courtnaye RichardIhe Atụ

Managing Ministry

We’ve got work to do. We’ve got a purpose. We are called to help fulfill the Great Commission in our day and time. So as we wait for the return of Jesus Christ, He instructs us in the parable found in the gospel of Luke, “Occupy until he comes.” He wants us to manage what He has given us well.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to "occupy" means to engage the attention or energies of, take up, and perform the functions of a task or position. In Hebrew, it means to keep busy. In other words, Jesus is commissioning us to keep busy with the gifts and work that He has entrusted us until He comes back.

Personally, I am using every gift that God has placed within me. I wake up with a purpose in my heart and mind. I am constantly asking God, “How can I serve you and others today in our world and in the church?” I want to play my part in this Great Commission. And I'm sure you do, too. With that being said, to whom much is given, much is required. So, while we are still here, we want to manage well, what our Manager has given to us.

For starters, managing ministry starts with intentional and disciplined prayer time. When we’re working in ministry, it takes discipline to start the day with God through Bible reading and prayer. When we apply these two life-changing principles, it gives us a strong kickoff. Another good practice is to ask the Lord to order your steps in the work that He has called you to do. He knows every detail of how to accomplish every task for Him.

Another part of managing ministry well is to plan out your day by listing out your things to do, but also listing your high and low priorities. As ministry workers or leaders, it's good to incorporate structure in our day. Having a digital or paper planner is a great way to see your day, week, or month at a glance. Also, blocking your time for important tasks and meetings is very beneficial to experience the best productivity. And don’t forget to take advantage of the blessings of 15-minute breaks and lunchtime.

Lastly, knowing when to stop the work for the day and exercise are very healthy practices. Consider planning 3-5 days of 30-45 minute workouts a week. Even if you get 3 days in, that's better than nothing. The point here is to build up your endurance, but also to implement time to rest and enjoy life. Managing ministry can be done well when we take the time to pray, study, work, work out, and rest.

If you enjoyed this plan, you will love the author's weekly encouragement and her complimentary "Life Management Planner for Busy Christian Women." Grab it here.