Seriously, there should be a semester long class in Bible colleges and seminaries to teach cluttering ministers like me how to develop a physical and electronic organizational system.
Week 1: A theology of productivity
This would be a good introduction from Tim Challies: https://www.challies.com/articles/the-best-tool-for-the-job/
Week 2: Getting and keeping your biblical info organized
Developing a system that stores any text-based information in a 66 folder system arranged from Genesis–Revelation → Then you know where to find that article you read about John 3:16.
Week 3: Getting and keeping your doctrinal info organized
Developing a system that stores any doctrine-based information in a system arranged using the 50–60 topics listed in something like Grudem’s ST or Lexham’s Survey of Theology → Then you know where to find that list of verses in that pamphlet about God’s love seen in redemption.
Week 4: Getting and keeping your ministry info organized
Develop a system that stores information specifically from your current church position. Receipts, permission forms, rosters, etc. When someone calls and asks did so and so go to such and such 18 months ago, you know exactly where to look.
Week 5: Making technology a gift and not a curse
Learning how to develop the habit of putting all content in an information app, all appointments and places to be in a calendar app, and all things to do in a tasks app. Learning how to use grammar tools and shortcut apps while trimming down alerts and distractions.
Week 6: From the scroll to the screen
How to use digital Bibles, books, and Bible software to their fullest potential.
Week 7: Putting it into practice
Pretend you are a 39-year-old who regrets not putting these systems into place on day one. You spend a day dumping every drawer and file into a huge pile. Travel back to your first day on the job and write a paper using what you have learned this semester to describe what tools, procedures, and practices you’ll implement as you begin your ministry.
preachertony.com 