Church leadership is a full-time job like any other form of employment. Although you may not serve from a desk and submit reports, you still need to crunch numbers and follow deadlines. Disciple-making is another challenging element of the mission. You may find yourself missing out on your family responsibilities while handling your leadership role. The best way to avoid the impending crisis in your personal life is by achieving an optimal work-life balance. Surprisingly, it is as much a part of the role as any other corporate job. Here are some tried and tested work-life balance tips successful church leaders recommend.
Rise early
A practical morning routine can go a long way in addressing the work-life balance woes. The best part is that you need not do much to create it. Consider waking up an hour early and helping out at home in the mornings. It gives you family time with your spouse and kids. Moreover, you can show your involvement and do your bit for your loved ones without worrying about meetings and calls.
Set blocks of time
Time management is the key to balancing your church duties and family responsibilities. Your job as a church leader may not be a 9 to 5 one, but the struggle of time management is equally daunting. In fact, it may be even harder to deal with, considering that you have to be there for your disciples whenever they need you. But you can set blocks for the foreseeable parts of the role, such as sermons and meetings. Stick to these blocks so that you have dedicated time for your family.
Prioritize professional development
Professional development is vital for church leaders because it gives them more confidence at work. Consider joining a disciple training program to lead the congregation like an expert. Reading and research can take your leadership skills to the next level, so set aside a couple of hours a day for them. Investing in yourself professionally helps with better work-life balance as you can achieve more with less.
Reserve a weekend slot for the family
Although you have to be at the church for Sunday sermons, you can reserve a weekend slot for the family. It is valuable, and you must work toward protecting it. Plan a family outing to spend quality time with your kids. Set aside an hour to chat with your partner and discuss things you missed out on during the week. You must also plan an annual family vacation to strengthen your bond with your kids.
Do a weekly review
A weekly review is another good way to find the work-life balance gaps and address them. Spend Sunday afternoon reviewing the last week, considering your challenges and achievements. Likewise, you can list the tasks you plan to accomplish in the next week, such as attending a school event or organizing a birthday party for your spouse. The activity ensures staying on track with your personal goals, regardless of your professional challenges.
Work-life balance in the church leadership role sounds tricky, but it is simpler than you imagine. Commit to both roles, manage your time, and focus on your growth to be the best church leader, husband, and father.
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