Lauren van Vliet, author

Regardless of which ministry you’re in (or if you’re in ministry at all), chances are that every day is different. One day I am in the schools for class visits, the next I’m behind my desk planning and catching up on emails. Some days, everything I planned to accomplish is derailed when someone in crisis walks through the door; others no one shows up for a program so it becomes an impromptu board game night.

This can be a blessing and a curse. There are days when routine and predictability are my security blanket, and others when they are shackles I need to be rid of. But generally, as a creature of habit, routines keep me grounded when ministry (and life) gets messy.

Establishing routines in an ever-changing week (and life) can be difficult, but here are some ideas for starting.

1. Start with Sabbath – The very first routine I built in to my week was Sabbath time, both daily and weekly. I am lucky because I work in a parish where Sabbath time is encouraged and generally respected. My Sabbath day is consistent from week to week, and daily Sabbath happens at consistent times. I could write a whole post about establishing Sabbath, but I’ll leave it at this: it doesn’t matter what you’re routines are, if you aren’t stepping away and recharging (whatever that looks like for you), then nothing will keep you grounded.
2. Figure out what routines you actually need – I used to try to establish routines because I thought other people were paying attention to what I did and when I did it. I tried to use these routines to create a perfect life, which left me feeling frustrated, rather than grounded and fulfilled. When I left go of this ideal, I created routines that actually work for me. For instance, I do most of the administrative tasks, like bulletin updates, submitting expenses, etc., on Monday mornings because not only am I fresh, but there are very few other demands on my time, and I have peace of mind during the rest of the week knowing that these small tasks are done.
3. Work with your natural rhythm – I am a morning person, and I like Mondays (but only after a restful weekend). But after lunch, I am ready for a good long nap, and by the time Friday comes around I am ready for an extended break. Knowing this about myself, prefer to create routines of prayer, creativity and general productivity in the mornings, because that’s when I’m fresh and alert. Similarly, if I have bigger tasks, which require more intensive planning or coordination (or just require me to focus intensely) I’ll schedule them earlier in the week, and leave the meetings for the end, because being around people is generally enjoyable, and I’ll be able to do it when I’m feeling a little more drained.

When it comes to routines, the one key for me is to see both the day and week as opportunities for routines. That way, even if day or a week doesn’t go as planned, there is a natural point when it resets, and you can start again.