For pastors, the word “no” is crucial for time management. Every time you say no, you preserve time for what really matters in your ministry. 

But there’s another phrase that’s also good time management: “Do it now.”

When something is not worthy of your time, you say no; when it is worthy of your time, you “do it now.”

Don’t keep putting it off!

To make the most of your time, don’t wait to begin.

Leadership demands proactive engagement.

There will never be an ideal time to address the administrative tasks, sermon preparation, or pastoral care needs in front of you.

You may think, “I’m going to do it one of these days.”

Or maybe you’re waiting to “get around to it.” One of our favorite phrases is, “when things settle down.”

Yeah, right!

Here is a little secret: “Things” in your ministry are never going to settle down. Life is only speeding up, not getting slower.

You may think that you’ll reach an ideal situation in your ministry that will allow you to get control of your time and do the things that are really important—but it’s not going to happen.

Maybe you’re thinking, “When things settle down, then I’ll start a new ministry or invest more in younger leaders.”

No! Do it now.

Make the time.

What’s true in your ministry is also true in your family.

Now is the time to be with your kids.

It’s also the time to make your marriage a priority. Don’t wait until you have more time.

You never will. 

Life must be lived under imperfect conditions.

If you wait to do what matters most, you’ll never do it. 

Live your calling as a parent, a spouse, and a pastor today, despite imperfect conditions or circumstances.

Stop looking for things to settle down. Don’t wait on “one of these days.”

Do it now.