4 hour work week

A couple of weeks back I posted on the book The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich.  I was a little nervous posting this for a couple of reasons: 1) People would think I only want to work 4 hours a week; 2) That I want to join the new rich.  But I'm happy to tell you that those descriptors are a little misleading.  I do want to escape the 9-5, and I do want to join the "new rich."  But neither has anything to do about the hours one works or the amount of money one makes.  Instead, this book has really opened my eyes to some new insights that I find very practical in ministry.

Most of us who are in ministry are in some way entrepreneurial.  We manage programs and discipleship people, alternating time between the office, at home, with people, buried in work at Starbucks.  So as I read this book I realized that though I wasn't finding myself passionate about the automated, online businesses that he was suggesting, I was brainstorming about how to better use my gifts in ministry.  And his suggestions on fasting from media, looking at the 80/20 principle, minimalism/less is more mentality  and mini-retirements are something that I think would go a long way in helping one be better prepared and refreshed for the work involved in ministry.

This book was a suggestion by many others that I respect, and now that I have finished reading it, I'm glad to say that it was worth it.  There will be pages, and sometimes chapters that may or may not interest you, or that you may find yourself disagreeing with, but overall I think there are some important concepts that you will walk away with.

If you have read the book, tell me what you think.  If anything, it's important that we every once in a while read something that so turns traditional methods on their heads.  Doing so helps us re-evaluate our own life, ministry, methods, etc., and gives us an opportunity to look at the paradigm we are operating in and to ask ourselves if it's the right one.

Comments

[Donnie]

I have spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out where this book crosses over into helpful territory for those in ministry. I have no desire to work only 4 hours per week. I really like being a pastor. However, there are definitely ways that I can tighten up on things in my life (e-mail and general information overload) that will free me up for more effective ministry. That is where I am trying to apply these concepts right now.

If you like the book, you'll like Tim Ferriss' blog as well.

[Rhett Smith]

I agree. I like ministry too...and the most helpful thing I have taken away is the media fast stuff...not checking email all the time; reading magazines, watching TV...pretty obvious stuff. I also like his minimalistic approach to things as well.

rhett

[Sean McGever]

One of my favorite things of this book is the mini-retirement focus. What are we working towards? Does it come only in the last 5-20 years of life? What would you do if you were "retired" now? Could you work to do that 2 weeks this year? Family trip, mission trip, education, write a book, plain old rest?

I think I need to celebrate more and explore the breadth of life now, not "later". Mini-retirements are a great idea. Even if it is a 5 minute walk in the fresh air tomorrow morning.

[Benson Hines]

I'm actually in the middle of it, too, and I agree with everything you wrote - like the part about new ideas helping us bust out of old patterns. Obviously, a year-long road trip is a good time to think about both using time well AND finding some funding. So far, the book looks to help me more on the former... :)