The 10 Must Haves for the Pastor’s Office

It’s been said that we were born to be real, not to be perfect.  I find this thought to be a great comfort. I am far from perfect.

My first few days as a full time pastor taught me this fact more acutely than any other experience in my life.

I had grand ideas about life in the pastorate. Then I became a pastor and I quickly learned that my imagination had far surpassed the realities of everyday life.

More than once I forgot the basics….  Eat, Sleep, Pray, etc. Also, I learned the absolute necessities for making my office at the Church a true haven and consummate supply cabinet.

Yes, God is with you, no matter what.  Still, it helps to be prepared for whatever God sends your way.

Here are the must haves for every pastor in their office:

(To see a photo album of RevWren’s Office check out the FB page.)

 1. Bible: This one seems obvious but you would be surprised how many times I took a Bible out of the office with me only to realize when I needed one in the office that it was no where to be found.  Other than sweaty armpits this is the most embarrassing of misses when your the pastor.  Also, it should be noted, that while you can reference hundreds of digital translations of the Bible on your phone none of these feel quite right when you’re sitting face to face with a mourner, discerner, or upset individual.  I recommend keeping multiple hardcopy translations in your office with at least one designated for the office only.

2. Deodorant: A basic necessity that is easily forgotten in the morning rush of Sunday preparations or flying out the door to respond to an emergency call.  There’s nothing quite as gross as feeling sweaty while you’re trying to respond to a pastoral call.  Equally, a sweaty hug as you say goodbye or greet people is just, well, the pits.

3. Chocolate:  You might pick other forms of sugary treats or caffeinated options but I have found that nothing perks the staff and volunteers up better than a sweet chocolate treat.  Equally, when you hit that mid day lull or you’ve been going for 14 hours straight its a perfect nugget of sweetness to revive you for a moment. I highly recommend mini peppermint patties and dark chocolates.  I have been known to, on more than one occasion, drag my chocolate jar into the conference room in anticipation of particularly feisty debates for that mid meeting cool down. A piece of chocolate does a world of good and forces you to quiet your speaking for at least a moment- long enough to chew and listen.

4. Degrees: Seriously important if you are under the age of 50 and going into a new pastorate so that even if you appear very young people will believe you at least matriculated into the post.  Also, nicely framed degrees are a great reminder of all the hard work and perseverance God has seen you through to reach your point of Christian leadership so that in moments of weakness you are not as quick to want to give up due to burn out.

5. Snacks:  If I had only known how many meals I would miss and how many constant days would be spent in and out of the office with little time to stop and eat.  These times are not nonstop but they come in ebbs and flows and when the flow hits you best be prepared.  I recommend an assortment of canned soups, crackers, peanut butter, roasted nuts, dried cranberries, and microwave popcorn. [ Orville Redenbacher of course!  Disclaimer: my family farms for OR in northern IN]

6. Tooth Brush, Paste, and Mouth Wash: Partly because the days when you eat in the office require a refresher post nourishment.  It’s common to have to lean over to a fellow pastor, congregant, or musician to whisper needed information during a service or a meeting.  I promise, you do not want to be the one that causes others to recoil during these impromptu moments.

7. Facial Tissue: The first time I had a person weeping in my office pouring their heart out I turned around to hand them a tissue and realized I had none.  We spent the rest of the time with snot running down their face.  I did not mind this much but I could tell it made the other person uncomfortable.  I strive for hospitality in any space I am responsible for so Facial Tissue is a must have for you.

8. Confidentiality Disclaimer Notice:  During my Clinical Pastoral Education my supervisor shared with my peer group a disclaimer notice that she kept in her office.  I highly recommend keeping one framed and in plain view.

9. Change of Clothes: I always keep an extra stash of work clothes in my office.  This is mostly due to my clumsiness when consuming any food or beverage.  I highly recommend doing so.  One morning a fellow pastor walked in and without realizing it had ripped a hole clean through his pants.  It was highly debated who would be the one to tell him.  Thankfully, he kept a spare outfit about too.

 10. Change of Shoes:  I once was pulled to help serve in a traditional communion setting at the last minute.  I was only prepared for contemporary worship that morning and found that my All Star Converse were a bit of an issue for a few traditional worshipers.  I keep a nice set of dress shoes for the unexpected service and hospital run both in my office and in my car now.

 

Application:

L1&L2: Whether your a pastor or not you probably have a “work” space.  Is it set up in a way that empowers that work or does it distract from it?  Take 5 minutes and stare at your work space making mental notes of what empowers and what distracts your work.  Then take 10 minutes to reorient/clean off your space toward more empowering work.  Let us know what worked for you on RevWren’s FB page.

L3: For the pastors and ministry leaders out there take time to consider your top 10 list of must haves.  Spend 5 minutes writing down what these would be.  Then take 20-30 minutes in your office adjusting accordingly.  Let us know what your top 10 list is on Rev Wren’s FB page. 

Your work space is significant in relationship to what you do.  It not only speaks to others about who you are but it either empowers or detracts from what God has called you to do.  I pray you take a little time to re-orient your office to help you on your journey towards God.

 

May the Road Rise Up to Meet Y’all,

Rev.Wren