As pastors, it’s not always easy to know when we are “on the clock.” What counts as work and what doesn’t?

If I’m counseling someone about their marital difficulties in my office, that is work. But what if that person starts in on the same sensitive and private conversation in the middle of the grocery store while my peanut butter cup ice cream slowly melts in my cart? If I go to an auction at my church,–or for my church,–that is work. But what if the auction is at a swanky restaurant and benefits the maimed ferret rescue center where someone who goes to my church works?

I saw a long conversation thread about this very topic on the Rev. Gal Facebook page this week,  and I thought a flowchart might be a useful tool in helping us decide what counts as work in this strange and wonderful profession we have.

(I couldn’t figure out how to post the chart on this page, so you’ll have to open the PDF.)

Is it work? Flowchart

Rev. Joanna Harader works at Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, KS. (Note to church leadership: This flowchart is for entertainment purposes only and should not suggest that I am in any way padding my hours or considering myself to be at work any time I’m not swearing.)

RevGalBlogPals encourages you to share our blog posts via email or social media. We do not grant permission to cut-and-paste prayers and articles without a link back. For permission to use material in paper publications, please email revgalblogpals at gmail dot com.