I’ve always been curious of how other pastors and church leaders work. So I shamelessly ripped of Lifehacker.com’s How I Work series and began to ask other church leaders questions about their work. 

John McClure

 

Location: Pearland, TX
Your Ministry: Director of Student Ministry
One word that describes how you work: Everywhere
Current mobile device: iPhone 7s plus
Current computer/laptop: MacBook Pro

Describe a recent work day:
After only being at my current church for one year and still trying to find my connections in the community and schools. I would say that most days are very different.  I try to make sure that I check my email atlas three times a day.  I am not talking about glancing at a phone or seeing a pop up.  I mean actually give your inbox the attention it deserves.  I try to connect with at least two youth everyday. I believe that personal connections are important. Depending on what part of the week it is would also effect how many meetings I have with pastors, church members, or staff.  Also through into the mix student activities, sports, arts and community events.  All of these things can go into my day.  I would say that the biggest help and tool with all of this that is linking devices a folders together.  I am constantly going so being able to have my email linked to my phone and computers really helps.  Its also been very helpful to have google Drive and Docs.  They travel everywhere and are able to be shared easily.  It is also a really great way to share files.  The biggest constant that I work on everyday is Fridays.  Friday is my day off and sabbath.  I try to honor that by spending time with my wife or just resting and taking care of me.

Gadgets/apps/tools that you cannot live without:
Google Docs and Google Drive : Connecting Documents and files to share and work on
Waze : to find events
Apple Music : Apple Music subscription helps with play lists and things for events.
LEAD :  Our church uses CCB and that is the mobile app for CCB
CANVA :  Graphic design
Remind : Texting service
All social media apps

What’s your workspace set up like?
I am all over the place.  I have a desk at home and office and carry my laptop with me everywhere.

Best short-cut; life hack you use:
Downloading all forms and curriculum into a sharable online source (Google Drive, Evernote, Dropbox). This allows you to always have the ability to share with volunteers, students and parents.  It is helpful for sharing curriculum with teachers especially.

How do you keep track of what you have to do:
Remind notes on my iPhone

What’s one of the least favorite aspects of what you have to do:
I fight to stay organized and it is truly a daily struggle.

Passion/Side project of yours?
Family, hunting, chess and Music

What gives you joy about your work
The students growing in community with Christ and each other

Currently reading/ or anything you’d recommend one to read
Growing Young  by Brad Griffin, Jake Mulder, and Kara Powell
Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals By: Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Sp by Eric Metaxas