Rural Time Management

In a business or urban setting, time management is a crucial element of success. However, the dynamics of time and resources differ significantly in rural settings. Pastor Steve McVey’s insights into rural ministry highlight the unique challenges and approaches to time management in agrarian contexts. While time is often viewed as the most precious resource in business settings, rural communities tend to prioritize the conservation of money, demonstrating a different relationship with time. 

In business and large church environments, time is a finite resource that must be maximized. The mantra “time is money” underscores the urgency and structured approach to time management in business. Decisions are made quickly. Projects are executed swiftly, and any delay is seen as a potential loss of opportunity and revenue.

By contrast, the agrarian mindset views time through the lens of natural cycles and seasons. Farmers, who form the backbone of rural communities, operate on schedules dictated by the environment. Planting, harvesting, and other agricultural activities are performed when conditions are optimal, not necessarily when it is most convenient. This approach requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. Time is abundant in the sense that tasks can be spread out and adjusted according to natural rhythms, but financial resources are scarce and must be managed prudently.

One of the key aspects of rural time management is the emphasis on flexibility and responsiveness. Unlike the rigid timelines and deadlines common in business settings, rural communities operate on a more fluid schedule. This adaptability is crucial because of the unpredictable nature of factors such as weather, crop yields, and market prices.

For example, a rural pastor might plan church events, repairs, or community activities based on the current agricultural calendar. If the weather is favorable for planting, community members will be engaged in the fields, and church activities might be rescheduled to accommodate this. Similarly, if a sudden weather change affects crop harvesting, plans must be adjusted accordingly.

Pastor McVey’s concept of “hurry up and wait” encapsulates this adaptive approach. Rural pastors must be prepared to act quickly when the time is right but also to wait patiently when conditions are not favorable.

This mindset allows for effective time management that aligns with the community’s needs and realities.

In rural settings, the conservation of financial resources often takes precedence over the strict management of time. This contrasts sharply with business environments, where money is spent to save time. Rural communities, constrained by limited financial resources, adopt a more cautious approach to spending, ensuring that money is reserved for critical needs and future uncertainties. They have a tendency to do needed work themselves rather than hiring someone to do it.

Rural pastors can significantly improve their ministry’s impact by taking community cycles into account in planning. Pastor McVey’s insights into the agrarian mindset underscore the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique dynamics of rural communities. In this way, your pastoral efforts will be able to reach their full potential.