Inspiration For You


Because our schedules are so full, there are things that have to go undone. That's not what God intends. He did not create us to be workaholics. He created us to be people. Jesus' ministry lasted only three years. There was much that could have been done. Yet Christ always took time for prayer and for people. He went away by Himself often to refresh and renew Himself and His relationship with His Father--setting an example for us.

  • We need to include time in our schedules to take care of our bodies, our relationships, and our spiritual lives.
  • Good health is important. Not only will it help us to live longer lives, but it will cause us to be more productive as well. Eating healthy foods, exercising, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and fresh air will all help us to feel better, have more clarity in thinking, and give us more energy and focus. To live a healthy life does take some preplanning.
  • Take time for relationships. In the scheme of things, our relationships with people are one of the most important parts of our lives. While we can't take our home, car, clothes, job, or other materials with us to heaven, we can impact the lives of our family and friends in such a way that they choose a relationship with Christ and heaven.
  • Make time for God. This is the most important relationship in our lives. But it is also often one of the first things to go from our schedule. Write it on your schedule. Plan for it. Guard it.



When planning meetings, to make them more time efficient, remember the steps to organizing your day.

  • First, pray about the agenda. If possible, also pray to open the meeting. Ask God's guidance and wisdom. Seek God's will. Too many times at meetings, even within churches and ministries, we attempt to get business done and totally forget to seek God's input on what He desires us to do.
  • Set time limits for discussion. You may want to plan in advance how much time to spend discussing each item, as well as who will lead the discussion or explain the proposal.
  • Prioritize your agenda. Begin with the most important topics. That way, you give your best energy to the most important.
  • Remember your mission and purpose. What is the purpose of your meeting? Don't get caught up in the trivial. Make sure what you do-even in your meetings-fits with your mission and purpose.
  • Distribute your agenda a few days before your meeting. This allows people time to pray and think about the items that will be discussed.
  • Allow others to contribute to your agenda. Make it possible for leaders and those who are chairing committees to add to the items to be discussed.
  • Begin and end your meeting on time. It's very important to begin and end your meetings at the time you've set. It will keep the meeting flowing, but will allow everyone to know in advance how long the meeting will be, thus allowing them to better plan their own schedules.
  • Stick to the agenda. It's easy to get side tracked or to stray from the topics on hand. Stick with the allocated order and times. Stay firm with the agenda to gain respect as a productive chair.

Source: Leadership Certification level 2