GENTLY ARRESTING TIME BANDITS
How to cut down on interruptions without being rude or neglecting people.
Mary Holder Naegeli
October 1, 1989
My ritual is as traditional as a Japanese tea: desk cleared of all distractions, coffee pot cheerfully perking, pencils sharpened and laid out in a row, computer turned on, prayer for concentration and clarity uttered.
I thrive on a quiet day of study and sermon writing. The process enriches me spiritually and energizes me for ministry in teaching and preaching. My well-being does not depend so much on the weather (I do better when it rains, anyway) or even my spiritual condition (this time has always included a process of spiritual renewal and personal commitment); instead, the question is whether I can get through this day without too many interruptions.
Clergy cocooning, would you say?
But for how many of us is this ideal the reality? Pastors walk a tightrope between two conflicting expectations placed upon them by parishioners: to produce thoughtful sermons (or Sunday school lessons) and to be available to every member of the congregation when needed. Sometimes these two expectations collide in that "now or never" moment interrupted by an important need. How can I cut down on interruptions and still be assured that no one's needs are being overlooked?
Identifying the Culprits
The first step to gaining control of the interruptions is to identify which type is the primary problem.
The telephone: Bell's blessing is sometimes the clergy's curse. Everything from the out-of-state telemarketer to the in-house intercom have the knack of finding me at my most productive time of day. Unscreened calls can turn off concentration and creativity within a matter of minutes.
Drop-in visitors: Ethel just happens to be in the building and thought she'd stop to find out if I'm coming to the singles' potluck tomorrow night. Children from the nursery ...
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