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Tag: Productivity

  • Book Review: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

    Book Review: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

    Ask your pastor how they are going, and one of the words they’ll probably use is “busy.” Then again, ask anyone in your church that question, and the response is likely the same. We live in a fast-paced, hurried, always-on-the-go world. As has often been the case, this continues to be the pace of ministry too. If I’ve learned one thing recently, hurried ministry isn’t good ministry.

    Whether it’s preparing sermons, meeting with leaders, counselling individuals, or attending another meeting, there’s always more to do. In the middle of all this activity, it can feel impossible to slow down. But perhaps the problem isn’t the amount of work itself, but the way we approach it.

    Cal Newport’s book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout, offers a helpful rethink into how we organise our work and, as a consequence, our ministry. Newport writes for a general audience, fitting into the productivity and business non-fiction genres. His approach to life and work, particularly knowledge work, isn’t about squeezing more out of the day. Instead, it’s about changing the relationship we have with work. His philosophy is captured in three short phrases:

    • Do fewer things. 
    • Work at a natural pace. 
    • Obsess over quality.

    These principles seem to be common sense. We can quickly affirm them. Of course, we want to do fewer things, we want to work at a natural pace, and we want to produce good quality work. We don’t want to burnout. As a pastor, I want to live and do ministry in a way that is aligned with God’s purposes, and I can see that these principles are a helpful way of aligning with that. It’s just, in practice this is often not the case and I’d really like it to be. Wouldn’t you?

    Do Fewer Things

    Newport’s first principle is simple: do fewer things, but do them well. He writes:

    “Strive to reduce your obligations to the point where you can easily imagine accomplishing them with time to spare.” (p. 53)

    In ministry, this is easier said than done. The list of demands can feel endless. There’s always more to do, or at least more to dream about. Saying “no” often feels like letting someone down.

    It’s important to name and commit to core priorities. For me, these priorities are preaching and teaching, and leadership development and support. Everything else, whether pastoral care, communication, or administration, flows out of these two areas. They don’t come first. Clarifying these priorities has been helpful, particularly in recent times, as it refines my call and helps me work intentionally.

    Scripture speaks into this idea. Jesus himself talks about what he came to do—to redeem and reach the lost. At one point, he had the opportunity to do more healing and care for those around him, but then he departs because he wants to preach and teach elsewhere (Mark 1:38). Nehemiah is another example. While rebuilding the wall, he faces distractions but tells those trying to pull him away, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). Jesus and Nehemiah recognised their priorities and were focused on them. By focusing on the “great work” God has called us to, we can let go of the less essential.

    Work at a Natural Pace

    The second principle is to work at a natural, sustainable pace. Newport writes:

    “Don’t rush your most important work. Allow it instead to unfold along a sustainable timeline.” (p. 116)

    This idea resonates with the biblical rhythm of work and rest. God designed us for cycles of activity and renewal, a truth woven into creation itself. We see this in the establishment of the seventh day, where God rests from all the work he has done (Genesis 2:2-3). He didn’t need to rest, but he does so to enjoy what he has created. Psalm 127:2 reminds us,

    “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

    The pressure to hurry is constant. Whether in ministry or not, it is always present. Whether it’s the regular emails, the technology in our hands, or the feeling of needing to be across things that can probably wait, we seem to drive ourselves to hurry.

    In recent times, I’ve committed to being unhurried—to walking rather than running. To doing things at a pace that is sustainable over the long haul. This doesn’t mean there won’t be seasons of hurriedness, but it is a decision to take things, as Newport says, at a natural pace.

    This pace doesn’t mean laziness. It means being intentional. For example, I’ve learned to protect my mornings for sermon preparation. This is when my energy level is highest. I’ve set boundaries around how many meetings I have, how long they go for, and how spaced out they might be. Sure, I sometimes break these ‘rules,’ but they are in my mind as I plan and schedule my weeks and months. It allows me to give my best at different times of the week and with different people.

    Part of achieving this more natural pace is accepting that we will never be able to do everything. Life leaves behind numerous unfinished tasks. And that’s OK.

    Obsess Over Quality

    The final principle, “obsess over quality,” is about deep work on what matters most. Newport writes:

    “Obsess over the quality of what you produce, even if this means missing opportunities in the short term.” (p. 173)

    I’m not sure I entirely agree with this. Sometimes it’s better to do things at 85% than spend another 20 hours moving the needle up a few percentage points. This could feed into perfectionism and not being happy to say something is done. However, Newport’s point isn’t about striving for perfection but valuing what matters most and giving our attention to it.

    Scripture reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23). Striving for quality honours God and serves others well. It’s also a call to prioritise—to focus on what is essential. It might mean doing fewer things so that the right amount of attention is given to a particular activity, creative pursuit, or project. It might also mean seeking feedback from others about quality. At the end of the day, we want to serve God and others—our families, colleagues, and friends. Remembering this is helpful.

    Sustainable Ministry

    At its core, Slow Productivity is about more than work; it’s about life. Newport writes:

    “My goal is to offer a more humane and sustainable way to integrate professional efforts into a life well lived.” (p. 41)

    This resonates with all of us, whether in pastoral ministry or not. Life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. To serve people well in all aspects of life requires a sustainable rhythm. Newport’s principles remind us that doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and focusing on quality isn’t just practical—it’s biblical wisdom in action. It may even lead us to affirm Paul’s words to Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). To finish well, we must steward our time, energy, and calling wisely.

    Should You Read This Book?

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of ministry or work, Slow Productivity is worth reading. Newport’s insights are practical, thought-provoking, and relevant for anyone seeking to live and serve intentionally. His podcast is also worth checking out if that appeals to you.

    These principles are also helpful for the church. Slow ministry or slow discipleship may not be ideas we think about often. But given the way life and culture push us, even putting the word slow in front of something might help us reflect on why our response to someone is so often, “busy.”

    This book isn’t about doing less for the sake of doing less. It’s about making space for the work that truly matters—work that honours God, serves others, and leads to a life well lived.

  • Book Review: The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin

    Book Review: The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin

    The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin is an important reminder for anyone in pastoral ministry, especially those feeling the strain of constant demands. The book challenges the modern ministry mindset, which often equates busyness with success, and instead offers a call to slow down, embrace limitations, and find strength in resting in Christ. There’s lots of thoughtful insights and practical wisdom. Croft and Martin help pastors rediscover a more sustainable and spiritually enriching way to lead.

    Embracing Limitations

    One of the foundational ideas in The Unhurried Pastor is the importance of accepting our limitations. Many ministers are driven by the desire to meet everyone’s expectations—whether those of their congregation, community, or even themselves. But this endless striving only leads to burnout and frustration. Croft and Martin remind us, drawing from the words of John Calvin, that “true and sound wisdom consists in two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves” (p. 3). This is a important point. When we are deeply aware of both who God is and who we are, we understand that our limitations are not failures—they’re a natural part of being human.

    Embracing limitations doesn’t mean we’re less effective; it means we’re leaning into God’s design. Instead of trying to be everywhere and do everything, we can rest in the truth that God is sovereign. The weight of the world—or the church—is not on our shoulders. When pastors accept their limits, they’re able to give more genuine attention to what truly matters, letting God’s strength work through their weaknesses. I will admit, this is something that can be hard to actually put into practice and I often need to remind myself of this.

    Redefining Productivity

    In a culture that prizes productivity, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring ministry success by how much gets done. The more programs, meetings, and events, the better—right? Croft and Martin challenge this assumption by encouraging pastors to redefine productivity in ministry. “True productivity in ministry is about being rather than doing” (p. 14), they write, pointing to the familiar story of Mary and Martha as a guiding example.

    Martha, in her busyness, missed the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet, while Mary chose the “better” portion by simply being present with Him. This story resonates with those who find themselves caught in a cycle of activity, running from one task to the next. The reality is that ministry is not about how many meetings are attended or how many tasks are accomplished. Instead, it’s about nurturing a relationship with Christ and leading others to do the same. By spending time in His presence, pastors can lead from a place of spiritual depth, rather than out of a need to prove their worth through endless busyness.

    For many of us, there’s a temptation to prioritise what’s urgent over what’s important. However, Croft and Martin remind us that spiritual productivity isn’t about ticking off tasks; it’s about being deeply rooted in Christ and allowing our ministry to flow from that relationship. This shift requires a rethinking of how we approach our day-to-day and week-to-week responsibilities, but as I’ve recognised, essential for a more sustainable ministry.

    Authentic Vulnerability

    Vulnerability has become a bit of a buzzword in leadership circles (thanks Brene Brown?), with many encouraging pastors to be more open about their struggles. But as Croft and Martin point out, there is a subtle but significant difference between authentic vulnerability and a curated image of vulnerability. The authors caution against the temptation to appear vulnerable without truly being transparent: “There is a difference between presenting oneself as a vulnerable and transparent pastor, rather than a vulnerable and transparent person” (p. 21).

    True vulnerability in ministry goes beyond the occasional mention of a struggle in a sermon or casual conversation. It’s about consistently living with honesty before God and others, even when it feels risky. Authentic vulnerability builds trust, both with God and with the congregation, because it shows a pastor who is fully human—dependent on God’s grace like everyone else. Croft and Martin encourage pastors to be more “psalmist-like,” laying their true selves before God in prayer and letting go of the need to maintain an image of invulnerability. When pastors model this kind of vulnerability, they help create a culture of authenticity within their church communities, where people feel safe to bring their own struggles and burdens to God.

    Rest and Renewal

    For me, perhaps the most important message in The Unhurried Pastor is the call to rest. In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, the idea of rest can feel like a luxury—or even a weakness. Yet Croft and Martin emphasise that rest is not optional for those in ministry; it’s essential. They draw from the biblical pattern of Sabbath, reminding us that God built rest into the very fabric of creation. “The unhurried pastor knows Jesus is the Chief Shepherd over his church… It is only when a frantic, hurried pastor actually lets go that he truly rests” (p. 128).

    This kind of rest goes beyond simply taking a day off. It’s about a deep trust in God’s sovereignty, a willingness to release control and believe that God can and will sustain the ministry. When pastors neglect rest, they’re often trying to prove their worth by staying busy, or they’re afraid of what will happen if they’re not constantly ‘doing ministry’. But true rest comes when we let go and trust that God is in control. Rest, as Croft and Martin describe, is an act of faith—faith that God is capable of shepherding His people even when we’re not present.

    For pastors, this means regularly stepping away from the demands of ministry to replenish their souls, whether through prayer, time in Scripture, or simply enjoying life outside of pastoral duties. Without this regular rhythm of rest and renewal, burnout is inevitable. But when pastors take time to rest, they return to their work with greater clarity, energy, and a renewed sense of purpose.

    Conclusion

    The Unhurried Pastor is a timely and necessary reminder for those in pastoral ministry to slow down, embrace their humanity, and rest in God’s grace. Croft and Martin offer an alternative to the relentless demands of modern ministry (and life!), reminding us that our value is not in what we accomplish, but in who we are in Christ. By accepting our limitations, prioritising our relationship with God, and leading from a place of rest, we can experience a more sustainable and impactful ministry.

    As Croft and Martin conclude, “Pastors don’t need to be perfect or have it all together. They simply need Jesus” (p. 142). This truth is what sustains ministry—not our own efforts, but God’s grace working through us. For any pastor feeling the weight of their role or the pace of their life, this book offers practical wisdom and encouragement to embrace a slower, more sustainable approach to ministry.

  • Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book About A (Really) Big Problem by Kevin DeYoung

    Most people I know live busy lives.

    I live a busy life. I suspect you live a busy life.

    When people ask how I’m doing I try to avoid saying, “I’m busy”.

    Everyone is busy.

    Everyone says they’re busy.

    It’s part of life.

    I could have added ‘these days’ to the end of that last sentence but I don’t think we’re living in an especially busy era. People of every age have been busy, it’s just a different type of busy. And that’s humbling. To know we’re not alone in our busyness, either in this era or another, makes us no different to anyone else. We’re ordinary, ordinarily busy.

    In light of life’s busyness Kevin DeYoung has written another neat little book; this time describing his busyness journey while looking at this theme-at-large.

    Crazy_Busy_Kevin_DeYoung_

    In many ways he has written it for himself, and anyone else who will read it. It’s not a 10-point plan on how to get rid of busyness, but it is a 10-chapter book helping us understand more broadly why we’re busy and how to think about it.

    There was a period of time there where I’d be chasing the latest productivity tool or app that would make me more effective in life and work. I think that is similar to others I know. But really, when you consider all the time wasted in fiddling around with these tools you begin to wonder whether it’s worthwhile.

    I’ve found they’ve made me feel more busy that perhaps I really am.

    And that’s a problem.

    We sometimes believe we’re so busy when actually it is the case of having information overload and always being on the go. If we cut a couple of things out and didn’t input into our heads so much then we might find we’re not as busy as we thought.

    But it’s the things that need to be cut that are the issue.

    What do we prioritise? What’s important? What can’t go? What has to be prioritised?

    These questions, and many more, including the issue of sleep, are thought through by DeYoung.

    The final chapters really push home the point from a Christian perspective. The number one priority is our walk with the Lord.

    Using the story of Mary and Martha the author outlines the main point; resting in God and at the feet of Jesus is the priority and from there our work and busyness is to flow.

    He’s not being legalistic or prescriptive in how this is done. But, he certainly emphasises the good point that spending time with Jesus is important and has consequences now and in the future.

    I’d highly recommend this book, particularly to anyone who finds themselves feeling busy (read: everyone). Again, it’s not a book that outlines a plan for how to get out of your busyness. It gives a broad framework for thinking through and understanding the topic and some good wisdom for stepping into that. This is one of the best parts of the book, it leaves me to make my own decisions about how to avoid over-busyness.

    Here’s some quotes:

    “Busyness does not mean you are a faithful or fruitful Christian. It only means you are busy, just like everyone else.” (p32)

    “Jesus understood his mission. He was not driven by the needs of others, though he often stopped to help hurting people. He was not driven by the approval of others, though he cared deeply for the lost and the broken. Ultimately, Jesus was driven by the Spirit. He was driven by his God-given mission. He knew his priorities and did not let the many temptations of a busy life deter him from his task. For Jesus that meant itinerant preaching, with devoted times of prayer, on his way to the cross.” (p56)

    “The person who never sets priorities is the person who does not believe in his own finitude.” (p57)

    “Peter Kreeft is right: “We want to complexify our lives. We don’t have to, we want to. We want to be harried and hassled and busy. Unconsciously, we want the very things we complain about. For if we had leisure, we would look at ourselves and listen to our hearts and see the great gaping hole in our hearts and be terrified, because that hole is so big that nothing but God can fill it.” (p83)

    “The antidote to busyness of soul is not sloth and indifference. The antidote is rest, rhythm, death to pride, acceptance of our own finitude, and trust in the providence of God.” (p102)

  • Youth Ministry With The Headphones Off

    As I drive on my commute, when I’m at the gym lifting iron, and often as I am falling asleep after a long day, I’m wearing headphones.

    I listen to a variety of podcasts and audiobooks, trying to learn something new or enjoy a good story while being productive in other ways.

    At the gym I’m focussed on two things. First, to do the exercises I’d like to do for the day at an intensity that will improve my health. And second, to listen to whatever is coming through my headphones.

    As I look around the gym I notice everyone else doing the same. Everyone has headphones in their ears, listening to something they enjoy while working out.

    As a side note, I think those who are actually working the hardest at the gym are often those who aren’t listening to anything. But I digress.

    Often, I notice myself lowering the intensity of my exercise because I’m listening to something I’m interested in. Rather than being focussed, and pushing myself for the set of lifts, I’m more interested in what I’m hearing and so drop my intensity to around 80%. Instead of listening to my body, or pushing myself to achieve more, I have my focus elsewhere.

    I wonder whether we do the same when we come to youth ministry?

    Youth Ministry With The Headphones Off

    Most of the time our connection points with people during the week happens while doing other things. It could be trying to talk to a student when youth group is about to begin. It could be a deep conversation with a young adult but small group has wrapped up and they’re about to be picked up. It could be talking to a parent after church but there are others lining up to speak with you.

    In youth ministry there can be plenty of things, either in the moment or during the week, that can distract us from putting our full energies toward the task at hand. Whatever it is, there can be moments when we are distracted or lose focus.

    The much overused verse from Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 is still true and valid, even for distracted youth leaders.

    “…whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.”

    This can apply to anything we put our mind to, and is relevant for us as we think about ‘focus’. To actually focus on the tasks at hand, such as, organising an event, having a conversation with a parent, introducing a student to another, creating the actual program, or driving someone home after their parents forgot them, will go a long way in glorifying God through our youth ministry.

    This focus is intentionality.

    It is about being present.

    It is about the moment.

    Perhaps it is time to take the headphones off and begin to focus on the youth ministry tasks at hand.

  • 11 Things: Working Better

    ‘Adulting’ according to Urban Dictionary, is:

    “…to do grown up things and hold responsibilities, such as, a 9-5 job, a mortgage or rent, a car payment, or anything else that makes one think of grown-ups.”

    When entering youth ministry it is not uncommon to be in our early to mid-20s. In all reality, there is little of life lived and much more of life to come. Some things we aren’t taught in school and one of those things is adulting.

    Part of adulting is having a system to deal with all the adulting things we need to do in life and work. Having a system to deal with these things can be learnt and is important in any job, relationship, or area of responsibility you might find yourself in.

    With this in mind, I wish I had a better idea of organising my workflow and system when entering youth ministry. I have always considered myself someone who is pretty decent at organising and planning. For example, I have colour-coded calendars that tell me what’s coming up in church and family life. I have a spreadsheet that details every book I’ve read since 2005. I keep my books in categories. I keep notes of conversations I’ve had with people. I used to rename individual photos according to date and place. So, yeah, I think I’m OK at this organising thing…sometimes a bit too much.

    But starting out life in my twenties I had no idea. It took me a number of years, through working as a Personal Trainer and Gym Manager, and into missions and ministry, before I felt I had a good system.

    This system refers to how one handles their to-do-list and what you do with all the life administration you end up doing. This can include how to deal with email, reminding yourself of the improvements you need to make when running that camp again next year, setting a date to write a report, trying to remember the contact details of a new person at youth group. And so on.

    There is a lot to deal with in youth ministry, and in life, so a system to deal with this is always helpful.

    If I had my time over again I would begin thinking through this stuff earlier than I did. In many ways this is a learned process but there are plenty of resources to help young Youth Pastors think through the skills they need to improve as part of the job. In youth ministry there can be plenty of things going on in church life and it is hard to keep all the balls in the air at once. If starting out again, I’d think about how to structure my week, how to get my emails down to zero, how to plan the next 12 months and the next 3 years, how to understand the rhythm of the church’s year, how to deal with budgets, and how to plan one-off events.

    All this non-people work makes our world turn on its axis.

    What’s it called?

    That’s right, administration.

    The death of many a good Youth Pastor.

    In every job there are things that people don’t really wish to do. Some can be delegated but others need to done. This is one of them.

    So really, I’d simply encourage you to read two books.

    First, Do More Better by Tim Challies, outlines briefly how to approach a working system that is adaptable to your needs and scaleable to your work and life context.

    Second, What’s Best Next by Matt Perman is also an excellent resource on how to think about personal productivity and then how to apply it.

    Administration, it’s not the sexiest topic. But it’s important if you’re wanting to learn more about how to actually do the job of youth ministry in amongst all the caring and events.

    It’s something I wish I knew when I started out.

    A while ago I wrote a post about what I wished I knew when entering youth ministry. This is part ten of a series dedicated to elaborating each of those eleven points. You can read part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight and part nine here.

  • Jesus And My To-Do List

    tdlistWhy is it that I often walk out of church on a Sunday morning feeling more guilty and with more on my to-do list than I did walking in?

    I’ve had this occur numerous times over the last couple of years. I’m not sure if it says more about me or the church service and preacher. I can’t help wondering whether it’s my expectations of what it is to go to church and worship that leaves me wanting. Nevertheless, I occasionally walk out having that sense of needing to do more in the coming seven days.

    I’m a preacher myself, so I know I need to work hard on the application of my sermons. The explanation of the Bible and understanding of the passage can be worked through slowly or quickly but application needs to be there…somewhere. And it is within this application section that I need to know that the burdens I’ve been carrying for the last however long can be lifted. That my cares can be taken care of. That I can hope and know God is in control of all things.

    I need to be reassured that I don’t have to do anything more this week to have God love me more. 

    I know God. I know God because of my faith in Jesus and his work on the cross. Through that work he has enabled me to have my sin forgiven and be in a relationship with Him.

    I understand this will mean I will need to change. Following Jesus means growing as a disciple. This happens over time and with the Lord’s help.

    But when I am weary from a week where I know I’ve sinned throughout, where I didn’t read my Bible as much as I’d like, where things haven’t gone right, then I come to church seeking comfort, seeking encouragement, and to be reminded that God still loves me and is taking care of me.

    Of course, I may know this at a cognitive level. I may know this at an emotional level. But I need to know that this is the case again this week. Just as it was the last.

    This reminder may happen through the Scripture passage, or through the words of the preacher in explaining the text, or through the application part of the sermon.  Whatever way it may be it needs to occur in a way where the application doesn’t mean I walk out with more to-dos this week.

    Because guess what?

    When Jesus died he didn’t add a single to-do to my list. He took many, many, many to-dos away though. When Jesus died he didn’t add guilt to my burdens, he took them all and dealt with them.

    So, preacher (and I speak to myself as much as any other), preach Jesus. Preach Jesus in such a way as to articulate what he’s done without adding more to my week and my to-do list. Please.

  • Spurgeon on Productivity

    “The way to do a great deal, is to keep on doing a little. The way to do nothing at all, is to be continually resolving that you will do everything.”

    by Charles Spurgeon