Do you find yourself attending every meeting your church has? Does your nursery leader call you when they need something?
It can get really distracting when you are the go-to for everything going on at your church.
There is a better way.
It is time to define your role. Really figure out what is it in your church that only you can do.
What are the tasks that require your specific expertise? Have you ever sat down to think about it?
If you don’t have this clearly defined as a guide to go by, then you might find yourself drawing the art needed for the kindergarten classroom.
Get ready to start thinking about the important tasks you don’t want to leave up to everyone else. The things that require your specific knowledge and valuable time.
Let’s talk about why pastors need to define their role.
It Might Not Be the Head Pastor’s Responsibility
One of the important reasons to have a clearly defined role is so everyone knows what is and is NOT your job.
Everyone is used to coming to you for all the needs of the church. I get it. It is easier to go straight to the top to get things done.
But is this what is best for you and your church?
This will help you discern what meetings to attend but more importantly allow you to miss some guilt free.
When everyone knows your role, it will make it easier for them to find the right person. And this might often mean you don’t have to be involved.
When you are responsible for everything you frequently do not have time for what only you can do.
Show Your Congregation Where They Can Help
Another benefit of defining your responsibilities as head pastor is so you and your congregation will know where they can bless you and the church with their time and skills.
Sometimes help from your church members will not emerge if the job keeps getting done by you.
By stepping out of roles that could easily be filled by others, it allows your members an opportunity to step into their God given roles and use their talents for His kingdom.
A clearly defined description of what is and is not your job, leaves others room to fill in the gaps.
Others will not feel like they are stepping on your toes because you are always the one who does a certain task. It allows you to let others know where the needs are in your church.
Remember, your members may not do the jobs as well as you.
Let them grow into their positions.
Allow them to be a novice at something new. They might surprise you and do it better.
Create Margin in Your Schedule
Imagine, not going to every meeting, and leaving the guilt behind.
By leaving some key tasks to others you have time for the things you have defined that only you can do.
This means you have more time for your family.
Being fully present with your family is a role only you can do. And this becomes more of a reality when you are not responsible for doing everything at church.
Your family can have confidence knowing you will have some energy left over when you get home for the people God wants you to put first.
When you get this description written down, proudly show your spouse.
Encourage them to give you kind and gentle reminders when you are doing more than you should.
I used to think I was a jealous wife. I would often get upset when my husband was out. I learned later that it was his undivided time I was needing.
Months later, I noticed I became happy for him to spend time on other things.
I bet the same thing happens with your family when you start doing the roles at church that only you can do you.
Helping is Good
I want to be clear that you can still help clean up after a meeting, or serve others at a dinner.
When your congregation sees you serving it is good.
But defining your role
- gives you permission not do this every time.
- keeps you from attending all the meetings.
- frees you up to do your job well.
Remember doing these things will allow you to enjoy being a pastor for longer than if you tirelessly work at doing everything.
It might not seem like a big deal right now.
I can see the long-term effects of keeping this pace. It is not good.
It is time decide what your lane is and learn to stay in it.
May you pastor from wholeness.