Tasks of One Real Small Church Pastor

When I  (Gary) informed our church board of my plans to retire, I prepared a list of the tasks I or my wife were responsible for during at least the last year of our ministry.  I hoped it would serve as a guide during the interim until a replacement was found. This exercise was an eye-opener for me.  I realized there were many things I might have delegated more effectively.  Some I had done because they NEEDED to be done and no one was available.  Some just seemed easier to do myself.  Some I picked up when the "ball was dropped".  Combined, they filled my days as pastor of a Real Small Church (60-70 in attendance). 

• Prepare, print & fold bulletins
• Prepare power points for Sunday services & special services
• Select music for worship
• Report songs to CCLI
• Contact singers re. songs for Sunday
• Order Sunday school material
• Select/contact adult Sunday school teachers
• Visitation - shut-ins and hospital
• Arrange/promote monthly Guys' Breakfast
• Make contacts for and assist with seasonal decorating as needed
• Shoveled walks in the winter
• Decisions re. cancellation when necessary
• Communication of announcements, from pulpit/newspaper, etc.
• Maintain church directory
• Sermon prep
• Prayer
• Initiate the "hard" conversations that are part of being a pastor
• Secure guest speakers, Gideon, etc.
• Pass donut signup list in adult Sunday school; notify people when it was their turn
• Pick up water for the water cooler
• Communicate prayer needs, announcements etc. during week via facebook, text, blog, etc.
• Change the church sign
• Purchase office supplies
• Arrange for equipment repairs
• Communicate with and encourage board members re responsibilities 
• Prepare pastor's report for monthly board meeting
• Youth group planning, contacts, leadership
• Youth Center representative
• Initiated and participated in a bi-weekly small group
• Maintain church mail boxes
• Maintain attendance records; sent out bulletins & notes o absentees
• Made annual reports to National office
• Emptied dehumidifiers daily
• Funerals  (including help setting up for dinners, communicating with Service Committee, etc.)
• Baby dedications
• Weddings
• Participated in a Cluster Group (fellow U.B. pastors) monthly
• Planning and carrying out special programs, holidays, etc.
• Communion - Purchased bread and juice.   Prepare and clean up.
• Mop up when roof leaked
• Writing thank you notes for services rendered
• Pulled weeds in flower beds when they got really bad. 
• Participated in community Lenten and Advent luncheons 
• Pick up, sort, distribute mail