At Real Life Christian Communities (RLCC), we believe that developing future pastors and ministry leaders is not only about teaching them what to do but helping them become who God wants them to be. Skills matter, but character and consistency matter even more.
Every junior pastor—whether serving as an assistant, associate, youth, or ministry staff—plays a vital role in advancing the church’s mission. That’s why cultivating healthy habits is essential. These rhythms of grace keep your ministry grounded, your heart humble, and your walk with God steady.
The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy, “Train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). True training involves repetition, discipline, and faithfulness in the small things. The habits below are designed to help you thrive in ministry, grow in spiritual maturity, and become a blessing to those you serve and those who lead you.
Weekly Habits that Strengthen Ministry
1. Prepare and Submit a Weekly Ministry Plan
Before the week begins, take time to prayerfully outline your ministry activities, priorities, and goals. This is not just a to-do list—it’s a way of aligning your service with God’s direction and your team’s vision.
Submitting your plan to your senior or associate pastor communicates accountability and teamwork. It helps you stay focused and ensures your efforts are connected to the larger mission of the church.
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3
2. Report on Your Progress
At the end of each week, review how things went. What were your accomplishments? What goals remain unfinished? What lessons did you learn? Writing or sharing this report helps you reflect on God’s faithfulness and take responsibility for your work.
Reporting also gives your senior leaders the insight they need to support and guide you better. Ministry accountability builds trust and integrity—two essentials in leadership.
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2
3. Collaborate and Meet Regularly
The pastoral team is not a collection of individuals—it’s a family serving together. Weekly meetings are more than administrative gatherings; they are sacred spaces to pray, plan, and encourage one another.
In these meetings, you can celebrate small victories, brainstorm creative ideas, and discern God’s next steps together. Just like the early church leaders who sought the Spirit’s guidance (Acts 13:2–3), a united team becomes a powerful witness of Christ’s love.
4. Assist with Administration
Pastoral work involves both spiritual and practical responsibilities. Supporting your senior or associate pastors in administrative matters—such as tracking attendance, managing event logistics, or updating ministry data—demonstrates humility and reliability.
Don’t underestimate the spiritual value of faithful administration. Doing the unseen work well glorifies God and keeps the ministry running smoothly.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
5. Engage in Ministry Coaching
Even pastors need pastors. Be intentional about receiving coaching and spiritual direction. A coach helps you see blind spots, develop your gifts, and grow in wisdom.
At the same time, learn to mentor others. Ministry maturity involves being both teachable and generous in sharing what you’ve learned. Paul modeled this when he told Timothy,
“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2
6. Teach or Lead
Every pastor, no matter their level, should keep sharpening their ability to handle the Word of God. Prepare short exhortations (“word nuggets”) for team devotions or small group gatherings. When you’re given the chance to preach, approach it with reverence and joy.
The pulpit is a privilege, not a platform. Study the text carefully, pray for your listeners, and depend on the Holy Spirit.
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” — 2 Timothy 4:2
7. Be Available for Assignments
Ministry often calls for flexibility and readiness. You might be asked to lead a home visit, facilitate a discipleship meeting, or help in an outreach event. Instead of seeing these as interruptions, view them as divine appointments.
Being available communicates servanthood. Jesus modeled this when He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Faithfulness in small tasks often opens the door to greater responsibilities.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10
Daily Habits that Keep You Grounded
1. Pursue Spiritual Growth
The most important part of your ministry is your relationship with God. Begin each day by meeting with Him through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. This is where your strength, wisdom, and peace come from.
When your soul is nourished, your ministry overflows with life.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you… apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:4–5
2. Be Intentionally Present
People won’t remember all your sermons, but they’ll remember how you made them feel seen and loved. Spend time with church members, volunteers, and especially the youth or students. Visit them, listen to their stories, and share life with them.
Presence is one of the most powerful forms of ministry.
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… being examples to the flock.” — 1 Peter 5:2–3
3. Communicate and Coordinate Effectively
Good communication is essential in ministry. Each day, make it a habit to check your emails, Discord messages, and Planning Center profiles. These tools keep you informed about updates, prayer requests, or scheduling changes related to your members and ministry events.
A pastor who communicates well helps prevent confusion, ensures accountability, and builds trust. Staying connected digitally is part of shepherding responsibly in today’s world.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
4. Practice Self-Discipline
Manage your time wisely. Set focused blocks for studying, planning, and resting. Avoid multitasking or procrastination, which can drain your effectiveness and joy.
Discipline is not about rigidity—it’s about stewardship. Use your hours as gifts from God.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” — Proverbs 21:5
5. Model Christlike Character
Your greatest message is your life. Be approachable, gentle, and consistent in integrity. How you respond to stress, conflict, or correction speaks louder than any sermon.
Strive to reflect Christ’s humility in every situation.
“Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” — 1 Timothy 4:12
Other Healthy Attitudes for Long-Term Growth
1. Remain a Learner
Leaders who stop learning soon stop growing. Be curious. Read widely. Ask questions. Learn from other pastors, conferences, and even mistakes. A teachable heart keeps you sharp and humble.
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning.” — Proverbs 1:5
2. Balance Ministry with Rest
Even Jesus rested. He withdrew often to pray and recharge (Mark 6:31). You can’t pour from an empty cup. Schedule a weekly Sabbath to rest your body, renew your spirit, and reconnect with God and loved ones.
Healthy ministry flows from a healthy soul.
Final Thoughts
When junior pastors build these weekly and daily habits, they set themselves up for long-term fruitfulness. Over time, these practices cultivate maturity, strengthen character, and deepen love for God and His people.
Paul gave this timeless charge to young Timothy:
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” — 1 Timothy 4:16
At RLCC, we envision every pastor—not just the senior leaders—as a faithful shepherd who lives and leads from a heart formed by Christ. So whether you’re just starting in ministry or growing into greater responsibility, remember: your habits today are shaping the kind of pastor you’ll be tomorrow.
Serve with faith. Lead with love. And walk closely with Jesus every day.