5 Little-Known Strategies A Top Growing Church Pastor Uses To Shield His Time
Guest Post: Joel Southerland, Senior Pastor, Peavine Baptist in Rock Spring, GA
Over the 27 years I've been a pastor, I've learned that the growth of my church greatly correlates to how well I protect my time.
The church I pastor, Peavine Baptist in Rock Spring, Georgia, has tripled in size in the past seven years.
In a church of any size, the demands of ministry can feel relentless—sermons, meetings, phone calls, emails, and of course, the unexpected issues that pop up out of nowhere.
That fact will never change. It's always been the case at each size congregation I've pastored.
Years ago, I decided if my church was to grow, I'd need to have strategies to protect my personal time.
I’ve learned (mostly the hard way) that protecting your time isn’t about being rigid or avoiding people—it’s about being intentional with the hours you have.
I want to share five practical strategies that have helped me guard my schedule, and see our church triple in size, in the past seven years.
1. Stick to Your Study Schedule Like It’s Sacred
For me, mornings are gold. It’s when my mind is the sharpest, my heart is the most open, and the distractions are fewest.
That’s why I commit to my study schedule 95% of the time. It’s non-negotiable.
Protecting those morning hours for study and prayer has been key to staying refreshed and feeding my congregation well.
I like to think of it as investing in myself so I can pour into others later.
Sure, emergencies happen, but they should be the exception—not the norm.
2. Let Your Assistant Handle the Calls That Don’t Need You
One of the best decisions I made was to trust my assistant with screening calls.
Not every ring needs my direct attention.
If there’s not a clear purpose or if it’s something they can handle, they do.
It’s not about shutting people out; it’s about stewarding my time so I’m fully present for the moments that count.
This was tough for me at first—honestly, I felt guilty.
But then I realized that prioritizing my focus helps me be more effective in the areas that need my leadership most.
3. Delegate First Drafts of Emails and Letters
I’ll be real with you—emails and letters can eat up your day.
They’re necessary, but they’re not always the best use of your time.
So, I let my assistant draft most responses.
She knows my style, and I trust her to get the gist down.
Then I step in, tweak it, and add the finishing touches.
This way, I’m not starting from scratch, and I can save those valuable brain cells for sermon prep, pastoral care, or whatever else needs my attention.
4. Hold Meetings Over Lunch (You’ve Got to Eat Anyway)
I’m a big fan of lunch meetings.
Let’s be real—we all have to eat, so why not make it productive?
Instead of carving out additional time in my schedule, I try to handle one-on-ones or committee meetings over a meal.
This kills two birds with one stone and helps build relationships in a relaxed setting.
Plus, it frees up the rest of my day for what’s most important—whether that’s sermon writing, family time, or that elusive thing called “rest.”
5. No Meetings Without an Agenda, and Always End with Action Steps
One lesson I’ve learned is that meetings without an agenda can easily drift off course, taking up more time than necessary.
By setting an agenda before every meeting, I know what needs to be covered and can keep the conversation focused.
And, when the meeting wraps up, I always end with clear action steps so that everyone leaves with a direction.
This simple approach has cut down meeting time and made each one more productive.
It ensures meetings serve a real purpose and that we make good use of everyone’s time.
A Final Word
Brothers, our time is precious, and it’s easy to feel like we have to be everything to everyone.
But the truth is, protecting your time isn’t selfish—it’s good stewardship.
By being intentional with our hours, we can stay energized, focused, and better equipped to serve our people and our families.
If any of these strategies resonate with you, try them out this week.
Let’s stay encouraged, keep each other accountable, and make the most of the days God has given us.
BEST LINKS
💪 Health
- Taking a Morning Walk Can Have Major Mental Health Benefits, According to Research (EatingWell)
- 12 Science-Backed Foods That Give You Energy and Fight Fatigue, According to Dietitians (Prevention.com)
- 7 Winning Dietary Supplements for Sleep, Bone Health and More (The Washington Post)
📈 Productivity
- 9 Quick Ways To Refocus If You're Distracted At Work (Huffpost)
- How Does Ergonomic Furniture Enhance Employee Productivity And Well Being (OnlyMyHealth)
- Skeptical of AI? These 2 Key Tips Make It Much More Useful (PC Mag)
👀 ICYMI
