conversations waiting to be had with team members , fellow staff people , or maybe even your senior / lead pastor .
Tough conversations are never fun . But look at them as gifts to two people :
First , even though it may not feel like it , you ’ re giving a gift of truth to someone . It might be a blind spot or a growth area for them .
That person might not even appreciate it at the moment . But if you know in your heart that it ’ s the right conversation , you ’ re contributing to their growth as a person and follower of Jesus . Second , you ’ re giving a gift to you and your team .
The “ future you ” will no longer have this issue hanging over your head . And in the case of a toxic problem within your team , you ’ ve taken steps to eradicate it .
And by the way , not all critical conversations are negative . You might have one that goes like this : “ I ’ m seeing some serious leadership potential in you …”
13 . GATHER YOUR SONGWRITERS . ( AND WRITE .) [ Ministry Growth / Future Prep ]
Pull your songwriters together for an extended time of collaboration , learning , and feedback . It could be an overnight retreat or an evening .
Just find a place that …
• is distraction-free ( and allows for noise ),
• has space for working in smaller groups / pairs ,
• and invites creativity .
14
. SCHEDULE SEVERAL “ ANALOG ” DAYS . [ Rest / Restoration ]
At least once a month , unplug from your phone , computer , and any other digital device to do analog work :
• Read a book ( made of paper ).
• Journal thoughts for the future or sketch ideas on a legal pad . ( Again , paper .)
• Hike and pray .
• Sit in a quiet park and think .
• Whatever it takes to unplug digitally , do so .
There ’ s something about time away from the digital world that slows our minds down enough to think and listen . And studies are showing that a pen and paper actually can help you be more productive .
15 . EXPERIMENT WITH POWER NAPS . [ Rest & Restoration / Ministry Growth ]
Longer days in the summer probably mean staying up later . It ’ s a perfect time to experiment with power naps . They can improve your mood , alertness , and your job performance .
Quick research ( i . e ., Google it ) will tell you that ten to thirty minutes is ideal . Sleeping beyond thirty minutes can leave you with that post-nap grogginess . ( Along with a weird taste in your mouth .)
One of our coaches said it like this : ‘ When I worked in a church office , I ’ d set my office and mobile phones to “ do not disturb ,” hang an “ I ’ m busy until …” sign on my door , pull the shades , set my iPhone timer , and plant myself in my recliner .’
A small , midday shut-down can be a big investment for a more productive ( and enjoyable ) afternoon .
16 . PLAN A DECLUTTERING DAY . [ Future Prep ]
Clear out the clutter in your office , green room , back platform storage area , sound booth , etc . Not only does this make things look neater , but eliminating visual noise is good for your psyche . ( Don ’ t believe me ?)
And if you ’ re like me ( who ’ s one traumatic experience away from becoming a full-on hoarder ), find someone to help .
There is someone on your team who would LOVE to help you with this . In fact , he or she has probably been dreaming of the day they can cut the clutter in the worship team areas .
And if you want to next-level this , do a digital declutter day on your computer and other devices you use for work and worship ministry .
17 . LEARN ONE NEW “ TRICK ” FOR YOUR TOOLBOX . [ Ministry Growth / Future Prep ]
Spend a little time each day or week investing And while you ’ re at it , spend a few minutes this summer scheduling songwriter gatherings for the fall , winter , and spring . And if you want to learn more about writing and singing original worship songs , check out this podcast episode with worship songwriter , Krissy Nordhoff .
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