One of the most often asked questions I get is, “How do you do it?” Both church members and teachers I work with wonder how I spend all day in the classroom and then in the evenings and at least one day of the weekend in a completely different work. Sometimes this is inquiring about time management while others it is a question of energy levels.
When it comes to the time portion, the quantity is much like any other endeavor, we just have to make the best use of the time. It is very easy to lose track of time and let the minutes slip away. It definitely takes intent and balance to make sure that both works are being done to the fullest while not neglecting either the work or family responsibilities. As much as has been possible I’ve tried to include family in any activity. I have a schedule that is the ideal I shoot for, but often it needs to be adjusted throughout the week. On Monday evenings I do any work that requires a follow up from Sunday. Tuesday evenings are set aside for Wednesday’s Bible study prep and Thursdays and Fridays are when I try to finish Sunday’s lessons and the bulletin article. One of the best time savers I’ve found is to continually study and read about all subjects so material is fresh in my mind and also to at least get the topic of the lesson in my mind so that I can mentally work on it while I drive or run. That’s a pretty simplistic view of time management and one I’m sure is not unique to me.
Most often though the question is more about the energy requirements in having two distinct jobs. The energy level is much harder than just finding the time. The mental, emotional, and physical toll can be exhausting. I jokingly have sometimes answered that I can accomplish what I do with the help of God, my wife, and running.” This is not to misapply Philippians 4:13. When Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” which is more on what he is able to endure for the cause of Christ, not that he can accomplish any human task with the Lord’s help. Every minister should absolutely be relying on the Lord though-in study, prayer, hope, comfort, etc. This is a given.
My wife has been an incredible partner in my ministry. In conversations I most often refer to the “we” of “our” work with the church. For example, my favorite Bible study style is to invite individuals or couples into our home. My wife usually fixes a nice meal and we just relax and have a good conversation. After dinner we clean up and then have some desert and break open the Bibles. Depending on what we are studying these typically have lasted between one and three hours. During this time my wife joins the conversation, refills coffee, and keeps the study atmosphere focused and free from distractions. In past years she might have been attending to either our children or our guests. This simple style has resulted in many people becoming Christians and I’m very partial to a team-centered, open Bible approach to study.
I’ll just make a note of it here, but we will go into much more depth later. Running has been critical to my work. Going home and getting a few miles in is the rejuvenation necessary when doing a dual work. Although in recent years I may have added an extra nap day, running clears my mind like nothing else. There are some days that after a good run, it’s like waking up to a brand new day. So of course we rely on God first in multiple ways, a supportive wife helps and is nearly critical-at least for me, and a good run prepares me for a productive evening.
Eric Dougherty