THINK GREEN!

Everywhere we look now the message is being sent that we need to think green. Conserving resources, using renewable energy, and protecting the environment is in vogue. Unfortunately that is not the case in many pastor's lives. Spiritual and emotional energy is being depleted from the pastors because there has been a failure to think "green" much less do something about it.

Let me give you 1o suggestions to thinking green in your ministry life so you don't end up with global warming in your spirit.

1. Do a time budget. Keep track of how you spend your time in an average week and see where it is spent. You may be surprised how much time is wasted.

2. Know your rhythms of maximum effectiveness, and guard them with your life.

3. Create a mission statement that helps you define your priorities and revisit it consistently

4. Take time to plan. Strategic planning keeps the tail from wagging the dog.

5. Understand and accept your hard wiring. The more you operate in your weaknesses the more draining and fruitless your ministry will be.

6. Carve out extended time with Lord. Your intimacy with God will directly affect your fruitfulness. Ministry from an empty cup is done in the flesh.

7. Seek out accountability. Be approachable. Allow people to speak into your blind spots.

8. Learn to say "no". The word "no" can be the most energizing word in your vocabulary.

9. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

10. Find a way to relax and de-stress. No ifs ands or buts.

In the name of "GREEN" Think it! Do it!