As a leader you want to see people in your church maintaining schedules that are honoring to the Lord which will be reflected in what they watch on TV, listen to, what they do on Internet, how they spend their leisure, etc. You want them to live holy lives (Rom. 12:1), accountable and fully devoted to God.
As a leader you want to see people using their time wisely, prioritizing love for God and people. You want them to have disciplemaking schedules, serving the Lord both in and outside of the walls of the church.
As a leader you should also want them to make sure to etch out time for nurturing their relationship with the Lord. You want them to have sustainable schedules so they do not get discouraged in doing good or burnout.
You want even their schedules, how they spend their time, to reflect God’s heart for the Church to be Christ-like. You want them to make the most of the opportunities God gives them.
But, can church leaders keep members accountable for how they spend their time?
A heavy-handed approach will tend to come across as too controlling, even legalistic. Yet, a hands-off approach will not be helpful, nor the loving thing to do. The biblical approach of a Christ-like leader would be a hands-toward-God approach.
The Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide gives some examples of what a hands-toward-God approach might include in helping people be accountable in their time management. It also provides some thoughts about leaders’ need to also be accountable for how they use their time.
All Posts about Time Management:
- Disciple-Making Schedules
- Sustainable Schedules
- Prioritized Schedules: The Number One Priority
- Prioritized Schedules: The Second Priority
- Accountable Schedules
- Spiritually Blessed Schedules
- Spiritually Productive Schedules
- Hindrances to Spiritual Productivity
- Time for One Another
- Time Management Resources
- Christ-like Schedules are Purposeful
- Time Managed by the Gospel
- Tips for Gospel-oriented Time Management
- Grace for These Times and How You Manage Your Schedule
- The Difference Grace Makes in How We Manage Time
- The Spirit Helps Us Manage Time
- How Spiritual Gifts Help with Time Management
- Busyness Affects Ministry
- Combatting the Lies about Busyness
- Too Busy to Pray?
- Biblical Prayers about Time Usage