by Bret Capranica | May 10, 2011 | Featured Articles, Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry
Over a year ago, I wrote The previous article discussed essentials for a pastor”™s study. In this one I want to think through the benefits and drawbacks of having a study primarily at the church or at home. For some this is not an issue. Either the church does not provide a place for a study (especially for church planters), or someone does not have the space at home for a study. I have served four churches in my almost 23 years of pastoral ministry. In two of the churches I kept the totality of my study at the office the church provided me. I did not have any place in the homes I lived in for a separate study. In the last two churches, I have maintained both a home and a church-based office and study. Even with very young children (and at times, a lot of them), I”™ve found it most helpful for me to do the bulk of my serious Bible study, thinking work, and sermon preparation at home. For meetings, planning, administrative work, etc., I love using my church office. Here”™s a look at the benefits and drawbacks of keeping the bulk of my study at home. Benefits Concentration. Years ago, I heard John Piper in a Q & A session indicate that he kept his study at the church for a few months, but found out that it didn”™t work for him to concentrate and so he moved it to his home. I have found it easier to have uninterrupted concentration at home as opposed to the church office. At my office, I want...
