The Productive Pastor

What does it mean to live life well in ministry? Join us as we talk about how living intentionally in the called life can affect our productivity, vision of ministry strategy, and a host of other conversations for people serving others through Jesus.

Is My Church Healthy? (My New Book) | PP128 05/23/2025

Is My Church Healthy? (My New Book) | PP128 I wrote a book! I'm not doing a massive release or campaign for it to come out, but I am letting folks know about it. I've begun using NotebookLM, an AI tool of Google's for a variety of things lately. One of the things I love about it is how it can produce an AI hosted audio podcast based on documents imported. Out of curiosity this week, I uploaded the manuscript into NotebookLM and was seriously impressed. I decided to share that with you. My book is specifically aimed at normal-size church leaders/pastors and that squarely lands inside of the Productive Pastor family. Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/36683280

The relationship between ministry productivity and church health: PP127 03/03/2025

The relationship between ministry productivity and church health: PP127 We are back. In episode 127, I give you an update about the podcast for 2025, share some new things, and explore a bigger idea I've been working on in my head these last few months. It comes with a core conviction. "Healthy pastors create healthy churches, and healthy churches create healthy pastors." Let's jump into the conversation about how our own approach to productivity actually does have a bearing on seeing and understanding church health. Shownotes: Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/35510630

My Biggest Productivity Lessons of 2024 : PP126 12/27/2024

My Biggest Productivity Lessons of 2024 : PP126 It's almost the end of the year! I've been reflecting on the lessons I have learned about ministry productivity in my own context this last week. Let me share the biggest ones with you. Get Prepare Focused Sermons: Shownotes : Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | z /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/34594735

Using Trello for Event Planning | PP125 12/19/2024

Using Trello for Event Planning | PP125 How do you feel about managing events at your church? They low-key used to be my least favorite thing. So years back, my staff got together and tackled the problems we had, created some systems, and used Trello to manage events. Let me share with you how we did it all. Shownotes | Download the Event Sheet | Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | z /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/34509165

Using Trello for Project Management : PP124 12/06/2024

Using Trello for Project Management : PP124 How do I like to manage projects once they are designed? On answer. Trello. Let's talk about it and I walk you through it all. Make sure to check out the YouTube video of the episode to see the details. Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | z /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/34306495

My 5 Favorite Items for Ministry Productivity : PP123 11/28/2024

My 5 Favorite Items for Ministry Productivity : PP123 What do I use daily for ministry work? I’ve got a handful of tools I can’t imagine not using over the years. Let me share them with you and where you can pick one up if you want to try them out. Shownotes | YouTube video | Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | z /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/34186180

Big Project Design : PP122 11/22/2024

Big Project Design : PP122 So what is a big project in ministry? I've been asked this question several times lately in different backchannels. So I wanted to answer it, and share my favorite way to design AND manage big projects. We step into a framework which starts at the end. Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/34096226

How to Have a Great Weekend (throwback episode) : PP121 11/14/2024

How to Have a Great Weekend (throwback episode) : PP121 We talk a bunch about the workweek here at Productive Pastor, but how often do we talk about the weekend? In this throwback episode to over 10 years ago, I'm replaying one of the first episodes of the first version of the show and walking through tips to make the most of your time off. Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/33902547

Cal Newport's Push/Pull Approach to Project Management : PP120 11/08/2024

Cal Newport's Push/Pull Approach to Project Management : PP120 Project management is one of those skills most of us have to learn. We aren't naturally great at it. In Cal Newport's latest book, Slow Productivity, he shares an approach to project management I've found helpful personally. It translates over to ministry really well. So let's look at the push/pull methodology of project management. Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/33838422

Preaching Strategy and Vision : PP119 10/31/2024

Preaching Strategy and Vision : PP119 What role does the sermon have in congregational vision and strategy? Let's consider this an entry episode into a much larger conversation. Shownotes | Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/33693802

Shifting Back to Analog Productivity : PP 118 10/25/2024

Shifting Back to Analog Productivity : PP 118 Finding the perfect productivity system first means admitting the perfect system doesn't exist. But an appropriate one, unique to you, does exist. I find systems tend to run in cycles, and at the end of one, hopefully we have found a new tool that actually provides deep value. Over the last few months, I have been relying more on analog tools because I have to be adaptive in a new ministry context. Let me share more about deciding what tools are actually helpful and how I am integrating analog tools back into my workflow. Shownotes | Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/33605682

Learning New Vocational Capacities (and how I'm doing it) | PP117 10/17/2024

Learning New Vocational Capacities (and how I'm doing it) | PP117 What happens when ministry is changing and you need to learn new skills? Seminary and Bible College might teach the Christian leader to do many things, but rarely do we think about what it means to learn new skills and level up in our vocational abilities. I always love this conversation (and am a bit low-key fascinated with it right now). So let's jump into a quick framework AND let me share with you how/why I'm doing this. Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor Email List | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/33468867

How To Deal with Brain Fog : PP116 10/10/2024

How To Deal with Brain Fog : PP116 Is Brain Fog a thing for you? I deal with it and it can be a bit frustrating. So let's tackle the subject and walk through some solutions to minimizing it. Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/33397327

How to Not Waste a Conference : PP115 08/15/2024

How to Not Waste a Conference : PP115 Do you ever go to a conference, come back, and feel like you didn't learn anything? Or maybe you hit the office running and end up overwhelming other leaders and staff because you starting changing a bunch of things. Yep - I've done both. In this episode, I want to share how focusing on current challenges and questions, combined with intentional networking can make conferences a valuable experience for strategic ministry. Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/32579077

Core Communication Beliefs : PP114 08/01/2024

Core Communication Beliefs : PP114 In Episode 114 of Productive Pastor, I dive into core communication strategies crucial for effective ministry. Discover how to prioritize communication, manage time efficiently, and improve church health through clear, timely interactions. Shownotes | Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/32373452

Getting the Calendar Controlled : PP113 07/26/2024

Getting the Calendar Controlled : PP113 Does your calendar seem to control you? In this episode, let's tame that wild calendar, get it under control, and learn how to use it as an essential piece of your ministry productivity. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Healthy ministry, strategic productivity, calendar management, pastoral care, time management, communication, efficient ministry, effective ministry, tool tips, scheduling tools, Notion, Calendly, digital calendar, recurring events, setting priorities, building margin, Chad Brooks. /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/32297032

Using A Daily Log | PP112 07/11/2024

Using A Daily Log | PP112 Do you ever stumble onto a new productivity practice and it seems to change everything? I did so earlier this year with my Daily Log practice. In this episode, I outline the practice AND give a free worksheet away for you to use. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/32007357

The Dumping Ground Strategy | PP111 07/04/2024

The Dumping Ground Strategy | PP111 Have you ever felt your brain is carrying too much around? Let's talk about how powerful a dumping ground can be for you. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/32007342

Use a Color Code in Sermon Prep and Preaching | PP110 06/27/2024

Use a Color Code in Sermon Prep and Preaching | PP110 Color codes are one of my favorite things and a big part of my own productivity. Here is how I use them for working on AND preaching messages. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31905557

Small Productivity is Real Productivity | PP109 06/20/2024

Small Productivity is Real Productivity | PP109 Have you ever realized just a few degrees of change can flip everything? In this episode, let's talk about three basic productivity practices which allow ANYONE to get out of problem mode and into a healthier ministry through strategic productivity. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31814962

Managing Ministry Transitions : PP108 06/13/2024

Managing Ministry Transitions : PP108 Are you transitioning in ministry any time soon? The last time I had a BIG one I spent a couple of weeks working through how I am going to approach the transition. This episode is all about a few tools I have used coaching other pastors the last year through similar situations. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31670892

Setting Goals Through Personal Values | PP107 06/07/2024

Setting Goals Through Personal Values | PP107 I've always thought setting goals at the end of the year is a bit of a drag. This year, I found myself wanting to focus on a few things and tried a different tactic. 6 months later, let me share the journey with you. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31641742

Pastoring During a Disaster | PP106 05/30/2024

Pastoring During a Disaster | PP106 How do we lead when chaos is all around us...literally? This is a replay episode from the first iteration of the podcast, and the episode dates back to 2017. I share a conversation I had with a good friend, Rev. Donnie Wilkinson, about how we both lead our churches to serve others through catastrophic flooding in 2016. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31499312

Five Productivity Pitfalls | PP105 05/23/2024

Five Productivity Pitfalls | PP105 Have you ever heard the phrase "Death by 10,000 Cuts"? Let me share with you 5 pitfalls that might seem to be so small, they don't matter, but have the ability to really erode your ministry productivity. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31427402

How I Build Out My Day | PP104 05/16/2024

How I Build Out My Day | PP104 The day is when the rubber meets the road. In this episode, I share how I build out my whole day. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31312897

My End of Day Meeting | PP103 05/09/2024

My End of Day Meeting | PP103 I've got a simple, 15-minute wrap up meeting I do with myself each day. It ensures I can follow-up well, evaluate, as well as plan for the next day. Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31203487

Why Small Tasks Are No Fun | PP102 05/02/2024

How I Write a Sermon in 6 Hours | PP101 04/30/2024

How I Write a Sermon in 6 Hours | PP101 A 6 hour sermon? You are kidding me...right? Since ministry has changed over the last two years, I have had to adapt how I prepare to write sermons. Let me run it all down for you. Shownotes | Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/31040923

Questions and Answers | PP100 04/18/2024

Questions and Answers | PP100 For the OFFICIAL 100th episode of Productive Pastor, I go into a set of questions I had from folks over the last month or so. I talk about preaching, designing the ideal week, and pastoral burnout. Work With Chad Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/30876243

A Conversation About Cal Newport (with Colin Bagby) : PP99.5 04/04/2024

A Conversation About Cal Newport (with Colin Bagby) : PP99.5 Chad. 99.5? Let's just say I want to put off episode 100 a bit more (and get your input). In this episode, I chat with Rev. Colin Bagby about our favorite productivity author, Cal Newport. We fan boy out a bit, talk about the last 10 years of the Productive Pastor and how Cal Newport bridges some of those changes. Work With Chad Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | Productive Pastor on Spotify | Chad on YouTube | Productive Pastor Email List | The 5/15 | /episode/index/show/theproductivepastor/id/30669468

The Productive Pastor

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