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 Health? (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 th...
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: https://bit.ly/prodpastor127
Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity
Listen and...
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: https://bit.ly/preparefocusedsermons
Shownotes : https://bit.ly/prodpastor126
Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/Rev...
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 | https://bit.ly/prodpastor125
Download the Event Sheet | https://bit.ly/PPeventsheet
Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly...
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTubez
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 | https://bit.ly/prodpastor123
YouTube video | https://bit.ly/4ilkXBW
Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on...
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit...
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on You...
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 | https://bit.ly/prodpastor119
Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
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 | ht...
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 | https://bit...
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Prod...
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 | https://bit.ly/prodpastor114
Healthy Ministry Through Strategic Productivity
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
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 Broo...
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 | https://bit.ly/The515email
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPem...
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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 | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
Why Small Tasks Are No Fun | PP102
Are small tasks a drag for you?
Let's have a conversation about them.
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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 | https://bit.ly/prodpastor101
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List | https://bit.ly/PPemailList
The 5/15 |
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
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
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
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTu...
4 Meetings I Schedule With Myself | PP99
How often do you schedule a meeting with yourself? I've got 4 unique meetings I like to have at certain intervals in order to stay above the fray and do the work of ministry.
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
4 Social Media Tips : PP98
Over the last month we have been going through a few strategic approaches to managing and creating social media in the local church. I wrap up the series with a few tips I believe are crucial to doing this well in the normal-sized church.
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
Using Canva Better : PP97
Do you use Canva for church images?
I've got a tip for you.
Build a Brand Identity Template. The good thing is, you don't have to do it from scratch. I've already built it for you.
You can grab it here. https://bit.ly/3Iyzpps
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
Using Notion to Take Control of Announcements : PP96
It's the 2nd episode in my series on creating a better strategy to use social media.
This episode, I share how you can use Notion to develop an announcement sheet strategy and use it all across your church communications.
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
Social Media (without exhausting yourself) | PP95
More and more pastors are getting tired of managing social media. But what if we apply some strategy to it? In this episode, I walk through what it means to create a social media posting calendar and how scheduling things makes life much easier.
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
Don't Waste Your Reading | PP94
Do you spend much time reading?
Then don't waste it!
Let me share 4 strategies to make the most of your time in the books.
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
Don't Sleep on Email | PP93
How strategically do you use email in your church?
Folks like to think that email is something folks ignore, but I have found strategic email use (combined with your church database) to be one of the most effective ways to communicate and create engagement.
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
3 Things Your Database Does | PP92
Your church database/ChMS is one of the most powerful tools you have.
But are you letting it work for you?
Let's talk about it in this episode of Productive Pastor
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
How I've Found Clarity and Focus about Productive Pastor | PP91
Do you find out vision and mission AND THEN live into who you are?
What if it's about finding out who you are before you hone who you are?
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
Creating Focus : PP90
How do we find focus? If you can easily answer that for me, I would be really happy. Focus in ministry is something I am really curious about right now. Here are three ways I am working on making it better for my own personal ministry.
Work With Chad
https://bit.ly/CoachingWithChad
Listen and Subscribe to Productive Pastor on iTunes | https://bit.ly/ProductivePastor
Productive Pastor on Spotify | https://spoti.fi/3oIT5gf
Chad on YouTube | https://bit.ly/RevChadBrooksYouTube
Productive Pastor Email List |
