7 Evening Routines of Highly Effective Church Leaders
From Chaos to Calm: Why My Evenings Had to Change
For years, I ended the day the way I started it, rushed, reactive, and already behind.
When my kids were young, evenings were unpredictable. Now that they’re older, they’re just as full, sports, school, schedules, and the constant pull of devices.
But I’ve learned that when I end the day with intention, I wake up with clarity. Here are the habits I aim for, imperfectly but consistently, that help me lead better and live with more margin.
1. Review the Day’s Achievements
Reflect Before You Rest
Before I wind down, I ask a simple question: What went well today?
It helps me end the day with progress, not pressure. Instead of focusing on what didn’t happen, I acknowledge what did.
This rhythm builds momentum, even after hard days.
2. Plan for Tomorrow
Start Tomorrow, Tonight
I take five minutes to glance at the next day. What’s on the calendar? What are the top three priorities?
When I do this, my mornings are smoother. My focus is sharper. The day doesn’t catch me off guard, I step into it with clarity.
3. Unwind With Scripture, a Book, or Silence
Cut the Noise Before Sleep
Scrolling doesn’t recharge me. It just numbs me.
Instead, I’ve learned to trade screens for silence. Reading, prayer, or simply sitting still, it calms my mind and helps me sleep.
The bonus? I’m more present with my kids during those last moments of the day.
4. Spend Time in Prayer
Let Go of the Weight
Some nights, prayer is structured. Other nights, it’s simple gratitude.
Either way, ending the day with prayer reminds me: I don’t lead alone. I don’t have to carry everything into tomorrow.
It’s a reset for my heart and mind.
5. Prepare for the Next Day
Remove Friction, Build Momentum
Before bed, I lay out my workout clothes. I fill my water bottle. I prep anything that will make tomorrow easier.
It takes less than five minutes, but removes decision fatigue in the morning.
If you want to follow through tomorrow, set yourself up tonight.
6. Disconnect From Technology
Trade Distraction for Presence
This one’s tough, and I don’t always nail it.
But when I power down 30 minutes before bed, I notice the difference. My brain slows. My stress dips. My sleep improves.
Phones aren’t just tools, they’re temptations. Set them aside. Reclaim your night.
7. Go to Bed at a Consistent Time
You Can’t Lead on Empty
I love early mornings. But early mornings require intentional nights.
When I stay up too late, whether from work, scrolling, or just enjoying the quiet, I pay for it the next day.
The more consistent my bedtime, the better I lead, the better I parent, and the better I feel.
Final Thoughts: Start Tomorrow, Tonight
Great leaders don’t just have great morning routines, they have evening ones too.
These habits aren’t about perfection. They’re about rhythm. They help me disconnect, refocus, and start tomorrow with purpose.
If your evenings feel scattered, start small. Try one or two of these this week. See what works.
Because great leadership doesn’t begin when the alarm goes off. It starts the night before.
Leadership Starts the Night Before
One of the biggest shifts in my leadership happened when I realized tomorrow’s success starts tonight. How you close your day directly shapes how you show up the next morning, with clarity, energy, and focus.
If you’re looking to build healthier leadership rhythms that help you lead with more purpose (not just more hours), I’ve created a simple 30-Day Leadership Plan to help you get started.
- End your days with intention
- Start your mornings with focus
- Lead your week with purpose
Tyler on Building Better Evenings
In this short, candid video, Tyler shares why the way you end your day directly impacts how you lead the next one.
▶ Watch: Tyler on Building Better Evenings
If your evenings often feel rushed, scattered, or consumed by screens, you’ll appreciate Tyler’s practical encouragement for creating a healthier nightly rhythm — one that sets you up to lead with clarity, energy, and purpose tomorrow.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
