God has a way of showing me how He expects me to lead others. He either brings me in contact with men who are good and not so good examples of leadership and books that with examples of good leadership in them.
One of my most recent purchases is a book by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner and Lane Jones called "7 Practices of Effective Ministry". I want to share this book with you with hopes that any of you who are struggling in your ministry will sit back and consider these 7 Practices.
From the back cover of the book:
Rethink Your Ministry Game Plan
Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing. If you are satisfied with those results, you don't need this book. If not, it's time for a change. Here are seven strategic principles that will bring focus and clarity to everything you do when you put them into play.
Let's take a look at the 7 Practices including a brief explanation.
1. Clarify the Win
Unless you can describe what the win is for each area of your ministry you will spend a lot of time focused
pursuing the worng goals. If your idea of a church that is winning equals more people and more money then
you might want to rethink your game plan. Ask yourself and yor team the question: "What does a win look
like for every department of your organization?"
2. Think Steps not Programs
What steps do you need to take to reach your win? Ministries that focus on prgrams rarely reach the win
because they end up spending time on developing programs and not the steps that lead to a win.
3. Narrow the Focus
Do fewer things in order to make a greater impact and make those things you do a step in your win.
4. Teach Less for More
Say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it.
5. Listen to Outsiders
Focus on who you're trying to reach, hot who you're trying to keep. Often pastors or administrators do not
look outside of themselves for ideas on how to improve their ministry. When someone does offer ideas they
ignore them especially when they are somewhat different than what they have.
6. Replace Yourself
Learn to hand off what you do. Some pastors or administrators believe they equip, empower and release
people but they tend to keep control by developing everything themsleves. Instead of developing leaders
they develop enactors. Enactors are people who enact the programs the leader has come up with.
7. Work on It
Take time to evaluate your work--and celebrate your wins. Many pastors and administrators do not take
the time to gather information from people within their organization and to take time to enjoy the wins they
experience.
Look back over the past five years of your ministry. Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing. If you are satisfied with those results, you don't need "7 Practices for Effective Ministry. If not, it's time for a change.
I hope this post encourages you to move out of the box you have built around your church, your ministry and those who serve with you.
1 comment:
The lead pastor did a great job. Setting goals and making sure that individuals completed their tasks was a good effort. You can maybe add in a pic or two the next time!
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