Setting Priorities When Your Plate is Too Full

As pastors of small churches, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, from sermon preparation to pastoral care to administrative tasks. When our plates are too full, it can be challenging to know where to start or how to prioritize our time effectively. In this weeks post, we'll explore four practical tools and strategies that can help you set priorities and manage your time more efficiently.

1. The Eisenhower Matrix:

The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple tool that can help pastors prioritize their tasks based on urgency and importance. It consists of four quadrants:

  • Urgent and Important: Tasks that are both urgent and important should be tackled first. These are typically time-sensitive and have a significant impact on the church or congregation.

  • Important but Not Urgent: Tasks that are important but not urgent should be scheduled for later. These are often strategic or long-term projects that contribute to the church's growth and development.

  • Urgent but Not Important: Tasks that are urgent but not important should be delegated or eliminated if possible. These are often distractions or interruptions that can derail your focus.

  • Not Urgent and Not Important: Tasks that are neither urgent nor important should be eliminated or postponed indefinitely. These are typically time-wasters that don't contribute to the church's mission or goals.

2. The 3-3-3 Method:

The 3-3-3 Method is a time management technique that involves breaking your day into three parts:

  • Morning: Spend the first three hours of your day on your most important tasks. This is when you're typically most focused and productive.

  • Afternoon: Use the next three hours for less important tasks or tasks that require less mental energy.

  • Evening: Reserve the final three hours of your day for relaxation and self-care. This is when you're typically least productive, so it's a good time to unwind and recharge.

3. Time Blocking:

Time blocking involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities. This can help pastors stay focused and avoid distractions. For example, you might block off an hour each morning for sermon preparation, an hour in the afternoon for pastoral care, and an hour in the evening for administrative tasks.

4. The Pareto Principle:

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. This means that pastors should focus on the tasks that have the greatest impact on the church or congregation. For example, spending 20% of your time on sermon preparation can lead to 80% of the spiritual growth and development of your congregation.


As pastors, it's essential to set priorities and manage our time effectively. By utilizing tools like the Eisenhower Matrix, the 3-3-3 Method, time blocking, and the Pareto Principle, you can streamline your workflow, focus on the tasks that matter most, and make the most of your limited time and resources. 



You don't have to go it alone; let Small Church Guys be your partner in ministry, empowering you to lead with confidence and impact lives for God's glory.


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