Developing New Rhythms

I am such a type A personality and for most of my life I have been a driver. If you are a type A then please give me some affirmation, raise your hand or something so I know you are with me. After many years of ministry week in and week out, I am finding that I have to change my rhythms from time to time.

I just went to preaching three times on the weekend and shortly, it will be four times on the weekend. SO, if you have ever spoken for a living you know that it is intense and drains you fast. In fact there is one stat out that says every 30 minute sermon is like working an eight hour day. Very interesting stat.

Here's how I am finding a new rhythm. I am evaluating why I do what I do. Even my day off. There has to be some down time. In fact Monday I found myself not wanting to talk with anyone because I was so zapped. Preaching takes you to a new low and high spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally.

What are your rhythms? Here's Matt Chandler's rhythm from the Village Church in Texas:

"Apparently one blog entry a month is inadequate so I’m going to try and repent this week. I thought I could use the blog to answer some of the most common questions I get asked by everyone from pastors to other young leaders. The question I’ll answer today comes in a variety of forms. When do you study? Do you do a Sabbath? How do you balance family time with a growing church? When and how often do the elders of The Village meet? These are more specific questions that come out of the broader question of what my week looks like. Let me explain how I am wired before we get into my week.

I tend to be somewhat of a free spirit. Because of that I need a pretty strict schedule and outline or I’ll get overwhelmed very quickly. I do best when there is structure, due dates and high expectations. If I can get by on natural ability I will (I continue to repent of this). With all that said my week, unless I am traveling or there is a major crisis is built out to maximize my time and protect me from myself.

Monday

I spend Monday morning with my family. Preaching four services takes a toll on me so time with my family and a quick trip to the gym to sweat a little go a long way toward recovering. I am at home until around 11:30 a.m. From 11:30 to 5:30 p.m., I am meetings, answering e-mails and phone calls and walking through the office encouraging our staff and pastors. There are no set meetings on Monday although I will meet with or talk with Josh Patterson, our Lead/Executive Pastor, quite a bit on ongoing projects.

Monday night we usually have a family over for dinner or go out with a family. We usually have a family devotional that night as well.

Tuesday

Tuesday is simple. I study. No e-mails, no meetings…my Bible, laptop, journal and me. All day except for a quick trip to the gym. I will have lunch with one of our pastors but no other meetings. Tuesday I am studying the Gospel of Luke and building sermons. I am usually two weeks out in my preparation. I would love to go 3-4 weeks out but it’s very difficult for me to do that. I also put together our small groups sermon notes guide and write a church wide e-mail.

Tuesday night is a family night and we usually have dinner with my parents or Lauren’s parents at our house or a restaurant in the area.

Wednesday

Wednesday is a long day for me. I wake up go to the gym, come home and answer e-mails and phone calls until 11:30 a.m. From 11:30 to 4:30 p.m., I have meeting with members of our church, pastors and project oriented meetings. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., I am in an elder accountability meeting where we talk through where we are.

From 6 to 10 p.m., I am in elders’ meeting. We meet every week. I usually get home around 11 p.m. Wednesday night. Most nights Lauren is waiting up for me when I get there.

Thursday

Thursday is another Study day for me. I finish up my sermon for the coming weekend and work on sermons for conferences or other studies other than sermon prep. I also have been doing quite a bit of writing on Thursday afternoon.

Thursday night begins our Sabbath. My phone gets turned off around 6 p.m., and we just enjoy each other, God’s grace and the goodness of God in food, fellowship and laughter.

Friday

Friday is Sabbath until Audrey and Reid go to bed around 8:30. My mind will start fully shifting to preaching tomorrow.

Saturday

Saturday is all about getting alone and getting ready to preach that night. I spend the morning in my study at home and head up to the church around 3. Mic check at 4:30 p.m. and our services are at 5 & 7 p.m..

Sunday

Sunday morning we have services at 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. We eat lunch with my in-laws and then spend time with family.

Sunday night is a meeting that Lauren and I have after the kids go to sleep. She opens her calendar and I open mine and we talk through the next week.

This is what an average week looks like for me. Keep in mind that The Village is close to 6,000 people with a staff of over 70 so that affords me some space and room that others might not get. I have only been on this schedule and out of a ton of staff meetings for about a year. If you want me to clarify anything, just ask."