Pastor Everyday Carry: 15 Things I Never Leave Home Without

Being a pastor means I never really know what the day will bring. Ministry happens in coffee shops, hospital rooms, church offices, and everywhere in between. That’s why I like to stay prepared with a few essentials I carry every day, my pastor EDC. 

Believe it or not, there is something biblical about all this. Jesus talks about his disciples EDC in Luke 22:35-38 (ESV):

35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

In the years after Christ’s death and resurrection, ministry will not be easy. We won’t always find people who will receive us and provide for us. So it is good and wise to prepare for the difficulties ahead, while still trusting in God’s providence and provision.

We lack nothing if we have nothing with us. But if we have a few good tools, that can also be a good thing. Either way, we have enough. So don’t get caught up in the materialism of all of this. However, if you want to have a few things at your disposal to help you in your ministry, that can be a worthy thing. 

Here’s my everyday carry as a pastor.

1. Phone, Case, and Wallet

My iPhone is easily the most important tool I carry. I use it for communication, calendar, Bible apps, and more. Because I’m clumsy and drop it a lot, I use a heavy-duty OtterBox case to protect it. Attached to the phone is a slim magnetic Moft wallet that holds just the essentials: debit card, church credit card, ID, and health insurance. It even doubles as a stand to prop up on my desk.

2. Apple Watch

I love my Apple Watch for fitness tracking, quick notifications, and the ability to discreetly check texts without pulling out my phone during a meeting. It’s simple, effective, and keeps me connected without being distracting.

3. Backpack

My backpack is the backbone of my EDC. I use a North Face Vault that has traveled with me all over the world. It’s durable, comfortable, and big enough to hold everything I need without being bulky.

4. Water Bottle

On the side of my bag, I always have a Hydro Flask water bottle.Staying hydrated matters, especially where I live in the Arizona desert. So I always have water with me.

5. Bag Clip

On my bag, I have a Hero Clip. It’s a carabiner clip that also doubles as a hook. So I can hang my bag anywhere, which is especially helpful in public places, bathrooms, or airports.

6. Sunglasses

With blue eyes and Arizona sun, sunglasses aren’t optional. I keep a sturdy pair of Oakleys in a case with me at all times.

7. Notebook

I carry a Field Notes pocket notebook for jotting down sermon ideas, meeting notes, or random thoughts. 

8. Pens

I have two Lamy Safari fountain pens. These are easy to use, entry level fountain pens that I’m really enjoying. You can change the ink on them easily, but I have one with black ink for notes and signing documents, and the other with red ink for editing.

9. AirPods

Whether I’m working in a coffee shop or going for a run, my AirPods are always handy for calls, music, or podcasts. I have the 3rd generation because they still work, but the latest 4th generation AirPods are better.

10. Knife

I carry a Civivi Elementum button lock pocket knife. It’s not quite the “sword” the disciples carried, but it comes in handy for opening boxes, cutting loose threads, and the occasional odd job.

11. Altoids Pastor Survival Kit

This is one of my favorite little hacks. Inside an Altoids tin, I have a mini pastor survival kit containing:
– Actual Altoids in these little bags I found (because nobody wants “pastor coffee breath”)
– Gum (also good for coffee breath)
– Advil (for occasional headaches)
– Earplugs (great for airplanes, or loud environments)
– Cough drops (a lifesaver on long preaching days)
– Chapstick
– Toothpicks (so I don’t have stuff stuck in my teeth)
– A couple band-aids
– Microfiber cloth (for my glasses and sunglasses)
– 711L Mini Ratchet (tiny screwdriver multi-tool)
– USB adapter (A to C)
– Mr.Green Nail Clippers (when you’re shaking hands all day, nobody wants to see nasty nails)

12. Flashlight

I keep an Olight keychain flashlight clipped in my bag with a Nite Ize S-Biner clip. It’s surprisingly powerful and has saved me more than once when I’ve needed extra light.

13. Laptop

The MacBook Air (M2) is my daily workhorse for writing sermons, video editing, and everything else. I was an iPad only pastor for years, but recently switched back to this laptop mainly because of video editing features. I also have a Slipdrive pouch stuck on my laptop to hold external storage drives when I’m editing videos. Most pastors, however, can get away with using only an iPad. I may go back as they keep closing the gap more and more.

14. Kindle 

I read constantly, and digital books save me space while letting me keep a whole library on hand. I used to read on my phone or iPad, but recently switched to a Kindle Colorsoft. I love that it is a separate device without all the distractions and notifications. The battery lasts a week, and the e-ink display is easier on the eyes.

15. Lunchbox

I pack a lunch in a simple lunchbox with an ice pack every day. It saves me a lot of money, saves time to get more work done, and helps me eat healthier.

What’s Missing?

I do not carry a physical Bible with me everywhere. I have Bibles in my office and my house. And I always have my Logos Bible app on my phone or computer, so I’m never without access to a Bible.

As noted earlier, I don’t bring my iPad with me to work every day anymore. I did it for three years while hoping the iPad would advance faster and catch up to laptops, but it still hasn’t. The hardware is just as powerful, but the apps often are missing features compared to their desktop counterparts. It keeps inching closer, but for now, I am reluctantly back on a laptop—mainly because it’s more efficient for video editing.

Why This Matters

At the end of the day, my everyday carry isn’t about materialistically collecting gear; It’s about being ready to serve wherever and whenever God leads. 

So whether it’s a phone, notebook, pen, or just a breath mint, being prepared helps me stay ready for the unexpected moments where ministry happens.