Brief Overview

We all know that having a schedule and keeping a schedule are important for pastors. But far too often, we don't make the best use of our schedules and this damages both our preaching and our health. If you want to thrive as a preacher, here are a few ideas that will help you make and stick to your schedule.

Big Ideas:

• Scrambling increases stress that damages your health. Forced, last minute sermon preparation increases anxiety, reduces the amount of time you sleep, challenges relationships and pushes time with God in prayer to the side. This is how you become a talking head.

• Schedule your sermon preparation. Clarify the steps in your preparation process. Get each step on your calendar. Show up when that time is scheduled.

• Schedule your sleep. Embrace your limitations and decide well in advance when you're going to bed. Not only is this an act of worship, it's a declaration of sanity. Your best work consistently happens when you get a good night's sleep.

Resources

• BOOK: Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson
• BOOK: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
• GET HELP: Ask Matt and Tal a Question
• CONNECT: Five Factors Facebook Group
• FOLLOW: Matt (twitter.com/mattadair) and Tal (twitter.com/talprince)