Aug 27 2008
Flexibility
I was supposed to start my Uptown Barista job on Monday. But they were having computer problems so the manager backed it up until Tuesday. Then he called and said the computers were still down so he changed it until Wednesday.
At the church, especially since we are new, changes happen almost hourly. We have to be ready to change our plans because stuff happens. Whether it is the AC not working or a musician that can’t be there or a preschool teacher who is sick.
I learned a long time ago that the key word in ministry is “FLEXIBILITY.” If you aren’t flexible then you will be left behind and be extremely frustrated. I am a organized person (except for my desk). I have always planned out my days down to the minute to get the most out of my schedule. However, there were always interruptions and distractions that arose and changed my plans. After reading and going to leadership conferences I realized those were actually opportunities for ministry.
Then I went to a Franklin-Covey seminar that taught me that the reason I was frustrated with my schedule is that it was unreasonable. No day goes 100% as planned. You have to build in wiggle room. You have to be flexible. First, I started figuring out what were the most important things that absolutely had to be accomplished and I ranked them as “A” events. One way or another I would finish them each day. Then I would rank “B” events. These are important but sometimes they could be rescheduled or even cancelled if needed. Then there are “C” events which are nice but aren’t necessary for my day to be a success.
What happens with many people is we have a check list of 10 things and we check off 9 of them. But we aren’t successful because the one we left off was an “A” event. Sometimes it is the #1 “A” event! When I started planning my days this way I became “less” frustrated with my days.
So the key word in ministry is “FLEXIBILITY.” What have you learned that could help me or others in time management?
12 responses so far
Not spending all day blogging. Ok just kidding.
FYI: I saw that bill Maher is going to be on Leno tonight. I imagine he will be talking about his new movie that you posted yesterday. Just thought you might want to watch.
Michael’s last blog post..Battle in the Basement
Kevin, I tend to be an A+ personality, going full tilt all day. That’s the way God wired me. So, I fully understand about planning out the day, organizing the schedule, staying on track throughout the day.
I used to be so frustrated at the end of the day when I would look back at my schedule or my “to-do-list” and would see that only 3 out of 10 were accomplished that day. I would then want to keep working, until late into the night, to round out the list to a full 10 things accomplished. I hated the interruptions that kept me from accomplishing my list.
Then, one day I realized that while my list was often good and many of the things were important–at least to me. But, in God’s book, He often had other things, other appointments, and other ministry opportunities that needed a touch from Him–and He honored me with selecting me to be the one to give that touch!
When I realized that, my outlook changed! My attitude changed and my frustration level went way down. I still like the be in charge of the day; but,. now I’ve learned that it really is God’s day and I’m just living in it because He gave the day to me!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Pray at the Pump
On the mission field, especially as a mission business administrator, we had the analogy of a large bologna. At the end of the day, you just need to slice it off there; the rest will be there in the morning waiting on you.
Rick Boyne’s last blog post..Did you believe Hillary?
Two Words:
Google Calendar!
or let your wife keep your schedule
LOL
Quinn Hooks’s last blog post..An upcoming event for the SCBC
Are your interruptions relational? If so, isn’t that what ministry is supposed to be all about? If I look at my day and my interruptions were because people needed me and I didn’t get “tasks” done then I’m okay with where God led my day. It’s all His anyway, I’m just supposed to be the willing servant.
And Kevin, my motto for our church is that the only constant is change!
Michael,
I’ll have to check it out.
Steve,
Good words.
Rick,
I’m sure the mission field puts things in better perspective.
Quinn,
I’m not by my computer all day. In fact I just now got on for today. So GC wouldn’t do me much good.
Angie,
Yes they are relational and yes that is what it is about. That is what I’m talking about. I pray every day that God will give me a Holy Spirit inspired meeting. Sometimes it is ministering to someone who is a believer and other times to share my faith.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Flexibility
I can be the MOST flexible person in the world…and by the same token I can be the MOST inflexible person in the world.
I am (in 99% percent of the cases) the most dependable person you would ever want to be around for any reason. I can be counted on.
But I DO NOT LIKE people abusing my good natured dependability. I do not like people who are PERPETUALLY late for things– without a “life or death” reason for being late.
Phil Hoover’s last blog post..Eight years ago today…
K: I have learned to be flexible also. Some people want to fly by the seat of their pants. There is a difference between flexibility and flying by… I have to realize that not everything is going to go the way I want it to go. Interruptions. Crisis. Need to talk. I allow myself float time (if you will). I also have to admit that while I try to have a plan or goal for each day, I don’t spend a whole lot of time color coding or fretting if what I thought was the most important thing turned out be put on the back burner for another day or another time. Does that make me a slacker?
That a lot of stuff you think YOU have to do can actually be delegated! It is so freeing to let go!
Texas in Africa’s last blog post..a century
Uh actually I think I just learned alot. Kev, you hit on what I have been needing for a while. Thanks.
Phil,
You seem pretty flexible to me.
Bill,
Your no slacker.
TIA,
I may delegate my answers.
Jamie,
I’m glad this could help.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Book Review-Peppermint-filled Pinatas
I really appreciate all of the answers people have given on this post! Some really good stuff here…minister or not!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Does This Offend You?