Management Minimums for SDA pastors

Written By Jose Briones

Introduction

Management is often associated with business or organizational leadership, but its principles are equally applicable and essential for pastoral ministry. Pastors, as leaders of congregations, must manage resources, people, and projects to ensure that their church fulfills its mission effectively. Understanding management in a pastoral context can help ensure that the spiritual and administrative duties of a church are handled efficiently, balancing both practical and theological responsibilities. In the following article, you’ll find helpful tools to aid your personal and community management skills.

Management Minimums

Every pastor has different responsibilities depending on their specific role. Whether you are a senior pastor, associate pastor, or new to ministry, certain foundational tasks must be met consistently. In business, the concept of essential deliverables is often referred to as "minimum viable products" (MVPs). In ministry, we can think of these as "minimum vital practices"—the key actions that ensure effective leadership, spiritual growth, and church management.

1. Spiritual Leadership

  • Prayer & Personal Devotion

    • Set aside daily time for personal prayer and Bible study to stay spiritually grounded and connected to God’s vision for the church.

      • Free Resource: Create your own Bible plans, use one of ours, or follow one of the hundreds available in the Bible App.

    • Pray for the congregation, leadership, and community, asking for guidance in decision-making.

      • Free Resource: Keep a prayer list. Use a physical list or PrayerMate.

  • Sermon Preparation

    • Allocate focused time early in the week for sermon planning and preparation, ensuring a well-structured and meaningful message.

    • Review and refine your sermon closer to the weekend to ensure clarity and impact.

2. Strategic Planning & Goal Setting

Weekly Ministry Planning

  • Establish clear goals for ministry activities and services that align with the church’s vision and long-term strategy.

  • Meet with key staff and leaders weekly to communicate objectives and upcoming events.

Event & Program Review

  • Evaluate ongoing programs or events to assess their effectiveness and ensure they’re meeting the needs of your congregation.

  • Adjust plans and strategies as needed, staying flexible to address emerging needs or challenges.

3. People Management

Staff & Volunteer Meetings

  • Hold a weekly meeting with staff and key volunteers to review responsibilities, discuss upcoming events, and offer guidance.

  • Provide encouragement, feedback, and spiritual support to maintain team morale and motivation.

Pastoral Care

  • Allocate time each week for counseling, hospital visits, or connecting with church members in need.

  • Engage informally with members outside of services to nurture relationships and stay attuned to their well-being.

4. Financial & Resource Stewardship

Review Finances

  • Monitor the weekly budget, income, and expenses, ensuring transparent and responsible financial stewardship.

  • Meet with the finance committee or administrator to review financial health and plan for future needs or projects.

Resource Allocation

  • Ensure the church’s resources (e.g., facilities, equipment) are maintained and used efficiently for ministry purposes.

  • Make necessary decisions about allocating resources for upcoming events or ministries.

5. Administrative Organization

Task Delegation

  • Delegate administrative and ministry tasks to staff and volunteers, trusting them with clear responsibilities to lighten your workload.

  • Follow up on assigned tasks to ensure progress and completion.

Email & Communication Management

  • Dedicate time each day to respond to emails and communication, prioritizing essential messages while delegating non-urgent tasks.

Jose Briones