by Pastor Kenneth L. Hollingshed
As a full-time pastor, my days are filled with a myriad of responsibilities, from providing spiritual guidance to administrative duties and community engagement. I accepted my call to preach at sixteen years old at Usher’s Temple C.M.E. Church in Fort Valley, GA under the leadership of the Late Rev. Dr. Robert W. Green. I was nervous and apprehensive, but by faith I followed God’s leading. Now after serving in ministry for over 40 years, and 30 years as a full-time pastor, my days are filled with a plethora of responsibilities, challenges, and blessings. Each day presents new opportunities to serve, lead, and grow in my faith journey. Join me as I provide a glimpse into a typical day in my life as a full-time pastor and share a daily guide that may offer insights and inspiration for leading your congregation.
Full-time pastors should impact the community in the following areas:

Spiritual Leadership: Pastors should serve as spiritual leaders within their communities, guiding individuals and families in matters of faith, spirituality, teaching, and preaching.
Pastoral Care: Pastors should provide counseling, comfort, and prayer for individuals and families experiencing challenges such as illness, grief, or relationship issues.
Community Engagement: Pastors should participate in community events, collaborate with local organizations, and organize outreach programs, volunteer initiatives, to support marginalized populations, promote unity, and foster positive change within the community.

To effectively impact your community requires discipline and a structured daily schedule that consist of the following:

Morning Routine: Having a structured morning routine is essential for pastors to prepare themselves mentally, spiritually, and emotionally for the day ahead. Pastors should incorporate a morning routine into their daily schedule to impact their communities effectively. He or she should start their morning routine with prayer, meditation, and scripture reading to prepare for the day ahead.

Regular Office Hours: Pastors should establish regular office hours as a practical and effective way to enhance accessibility, accountability, and relationship-building within the congregation.

Administrative Duties: Pastors have a variety of administrative duties alongside pastoral responsibilities. Administrative duties include the following: Leadership Meetings; Budget Management; Strategic Planning; Collaborate with Church Leadership; Facility Management; Record Keeping; Community Outreach; Leadership Training and Development; Counseling; Pastoral Care; Sunday School; Worship Services; Bible Studies; Pastoral Challenges.

Sermon Preparation: Pastors should engage in study and research for upcoming sermons, develop sermon outlines, gather illustrations, and prepare visual aids.
Pastoral Visits: Pastors should set aside time to visit members of their congregations who are sick and shut-in including hospitals, nursing homes, and homes to provide spiritual support, encouragement, and prayer as needed.

Pastoral Rewards: Rewarding yourself is vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and sustaining longevity in ministry. Here are ways pastors can reward themselves: Invest in Personal Development; Attend Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars; Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones; Make time for Physical/Recreational Activities; Attend Cultural Activities; Celebrate Milestones and Achievements.

In my conclusion, each day in my life as a full-time pastor is a sacred journey, guided by faith, love, and community outreach. Through ministry, community outreach, and self-care, I strive to embody the teachings of Christ and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As I continue on this path of discipleship, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside other pastors, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and witnessing the transformative power of God’s grace.