Five Things We Will Learn
- Why beginning each day abiding with Jesus becomes the foundation for a faithful life.
- How the weekly rhythm of worship, teaching, writing, and ministry flows from a heart devoted to God.
- Why walking alongside spiritual sons and daughters is essential for healthy leadership.
- How gratitude, encouragement, and shared vision strengthen the family of God.
- Why what many see as “work” is actually a love letter to God and the people He loves.
A Life That Flows From Love
People sometimes ask what a typical week looks like for me. From the outside, it might appear to be a long list of responsibilities or ministry activities. But that is not how I see it.
For me, the rhythm of the week is not built around tasks. It is built around love. Love for God, and love for the people He has entrusted to walk with me.
Everything else flows from there.
Beginning Each Day With the Lord
Every day begins the same way.
My first priority is spending time with the Lord, the One I love and the One who continually reminds me of His love for me. I spend time abiding with Him, grounding my heart and mind in Jesus Christ and His Word.
This time with Him sets the foundation for everything else in the day. It is the Solid Rock that holds everything steady.
At the center of it all is the simple truth Jesus taught us: to love God, to love others, and to help others do the same.
Without love, everything becomes meaningless. But with Him, even the busiest week becomes full of purpose.
The Weekly Rhythm of Ministry
As the week unfolds, each day carries its own rhythm and responsibilities.
Sunday – Gathering Together
Sunday is full in many ways.
Part of the day involves writing and preparing communications for business leaders we partner with, along with writing several new podcast descriptions and posting them to the Greg Lancaster Ministries podcast.
I also have the privilege of pastoring the church that gathers with us on Sundays.
But the greatest part of Sunday is when our church family comes together.
That is the peak of encouragement for me personally, and I see it in everyone else as well. We share meals, laugh, pray, sing, watch VFNtv, and spend time together in genuine fellowship.
Those moments are powerful. They are life-giving, life-saving, and transforming.
Tuesday – Worship and Preparation
Tuesday is centered on worship.
I spend time worshiping God and listening carefully as I build the worship set. During that time I am also preparing the prayer and SMS encouragement that will go out on Thursday, often drawing from what the Lord spoke during Sunday’s gathering.
Wednesday and Thursday – Studying and Preparing the Word
Much of Wednesday and Thursday is dedicated to studying God’s Word and preparing the message that the Lord has given me to share.
This time in Scripture is sacred. It is where the message forms and where I seek the Lord’s heart for what needs to be spoken and shared.
Thursday Evening – Proclaiming the Word
Thursday evenings are spent recording in the studio with those who serve alongside me.
Together we proclaim the Word through our broadcasts, sharing encouragement, truth, and reminders of God’s faithfulness with people far beyond our local community.
It is always a joy to know that the message is reaching people who need hope, direction, and encouragement.
Friday – Writing, Vision, and Development
Friday is often focused on writing and development.
This includes writing Torch articles, working on Vine Fellowship Network initiatives, continuing development of the GLM App, and strengthening the work of VFNRM.
We are also planning and preparing to host Vine Seminars, which are designed to encourage believers to become the kind of spiritual family God has called His church to be. Through Vine Fellowship Network and VFN Related Ministers (VFNRM), these gatherings will help believers learn how to walk in the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:23.
These efforts are all part of helping the church grow stronger, more connected, and more aligned with the heart of Christ.
Saturday – Music and Creativity
Saturday is when I focus on music.
I truly enjoy writing new songs and releasing them. It is a lot of work, but it feels like a gift from God. Music allows me to tell stories, express worship, and communicate truths that touch both my heart and the hearts of others.
Walking Alongside Leaders
Another significant part of my week is investing in leaders.
God has placed many ministers in different spheres of influence, and I spend time walking alongside them. Some call me their pastor. Some call me their spiritual father. I hope all of them call me their friend.
Over the years, God has allowed me to walk with many spiritual sons and daughters who are serving the Lord in different places and in different ways.
Leadership can be a lonely place.
Every leader needs a friend.
Every leader needs a mentor.
Every leader needs someone in their corner.
And many leaders need a spiritual father who can speak truth into their lives.
This is something I experienced personally through men like Brother John Kilpatrick and Brother Ken Sumrall. Since the day I was born into the Kingdom, they have been there for me. Brother Ken is now with the Lord, but his influence and example continue to shape my life.
In the same spirit, I try to be present for others through conversations, prayer, counsel, and encouragement throughout the week.
Sometimes that means taking calls.
Sometimes exchanging texts, which is often my favorite.
Sometimes meeting in person.
Sometimes simply praying together.
But it always means walking together.
Grateful for Those Who Carry This Together
Another part of my week is remembering that none of this happens alone.
I am surrounded by the generosity of many people who pray for me, help me, and give financially so that the work we are doing together can move forward. Without their faith, encouragement, and support, much of what we do would not be possible.
I try to thank them often.
Sometimes that happens in person when we gather. Sometimes it happens through our broadcasts. And each week I also take time to write a few handwritten thank-you notes to people who have helped carry the work forward.
I cannot always do this for everyone the way I would like to, but I try to personally thank as many people as I can.
Each month I also write a letter to everyone who is such an important part of what we are doing together. In that letter I try to encourage them, share updates, and report on what we have accomplished together and where we are headed next.
Writing that letter helps ground me. It reminds me what we are doing, who we are doing it for—Jesus—and who I am doing it with. In many ways it feels like giving an account of what has taken place during the month and recognizing the people who helped make it possible.
Their prayers, encouragement, and generosity are part of every story, every message, and every life that is touched through this ministry. What we are doing is not something I am doing alone. It is something we are doing together.
Everything That Happens In Between
Between all of these rhythms, many other things take place.
This includes initiatives like Baptize Pensacola, a citywide effort, as well as covering media events for VFNtv and Christian Television Network.
For example, we recently covered the Roots of America event at Brownsville Assembly of God, the very place where the Brownsville Revival began in 1995 and where people from around the world once gathered to experience the goodness of God. We documented the event using our media equipment and production skills so it could be shared more broadly.
Ian Skelley, my friend and the manager of Christian Television Network (CTN), has also given us the opportunity to produce programs for Coast Up Close. The broadcast reaches from Mobile, Alabama, to Tallahassee, Florida, extending beyond our regular VFNtv streaming outreach.
I also try to maintain physical strength and health. I have a membership at Anytime Fitness and aim to go three times a week, although it can be difficult to fit into the schedule. When I was able to do it consistently last year, it gave me energy and helped my overall well-being, especially with the physical demands that come with everything we do.
And yes, it also helps prevent looking like a slab on television.
A Life Built Around What Matters Most
When I step back and look at the rhythm of the week, it always comes back to the same foundation.
Everything begins with Jesus.
From gathering with the church, studying Scripture, recording broadcasts, writing articles, developing ministry resources, creating music, walking with leaders, and encouraging those who support the work, it all flows from the same place.
A life devoted to loving God, loving people, and helping others do the same.
None of this is simply work or ministry.
It is a life built around Jesus and the people He loves.
And for that, I am deeply grateful.
At the same time, I want to be honest about something. I do not do any of this perfectly. What I described is not meant to be a task list or a schedule to measure myself by. It is simply the rhythm of a life that I desire to give to God and to the people He has entrusted to me.
In a culture where people are often quick to walk away from relationships, one of the deepest desires in my heart is to remain faithful. Faithful to God, and faithful to the family He has entrusted to me, both natural and spiritual.
Some people might read everything described here and see a list of religious activities or responsibilities. But that would miss the heart behind it.
To me, this is not a list of tasks.
It is a love letter.
A love letter to God.
And a love letter to the people He loves.
Scripture reminds us of this truth:
“For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10
Yes, some parts of this life can be hard. There are long days and many responsibilities.
But it is not simply work.
It is my passion.
And it is a privilege to give my life to the One who first loved us.
If the rhythm of my life encourages even one person to love God more deeply and love others more faithfully, then it has been worth it.
Related Reading:
Living Cells: Rediscovering the Secret That Made the Early Church Alive
The Church: A Family Forged in Love, Not Law
The Lamb Who Claims the Earth: Unpacking Revelation 5