Organizational Strategy Part 2

In our last post we began talking about Organizational Strategy. I know that is a whole lot to talk about when it comes to church and organizations. Specifically, we are discussing having a vision, mission and values that unify the whole organization.

One thing that is important to any organization is having ministry alignment. Ministry alignment creates momentum, focus and unity. Unity creates a powerful driving force within an organization.

Often time churches think that unity is everyone agreeing with each other. They rarely picture unity on an organizational level and then fail to grasp why they don't get any results.

I thought it would be great to define each of them and show you how they work for us here at Life Church.

Vision
Vision is simply a picture of the future for your organization. If or when you have completed what you feel your organization is setting out to do, what would it look like.

This vision is a picture for everyone. It is the driving picture of the destination we are going to.

Our vision at Life Church is: To DOMINATE the Coastal Bend area with the life of Christ.

That could mean and lead to a variety of things but for us it is a snap shot of where we are going.

I would encourage you to pray and seek the vision God wants for your organization. It should really be a burning inside of you. The vision should be so clear that you can close your eyes and picture it.

Now right that down. If it takes a whole page...do it.

Once that is complete...create a one sentence vision rallying statement. Distribute it to your leaders with the vision statement that you created.

Mission
Mission is the how...for me I picture it as the road map. It encompasses the larger steps that get the organization to the vision.

For us here it is our 3 G's:

• Create environments where we GATHER weekly to connect people to the life of Chris
• Initiate weekly Life Groups where we can GROW together in accountability
• Impact the world as we GIVE of our time utilizing our unique talents, passions, and resources

These three steps work for all our departments. They also specifically define our the process of being a disciples. You can take those three into our children's ministry and they work. Youth ministry...they work.

Our goal is to keep it simple and streamlined so that we will have the maximum amount unity and results. Our mission is actually a picture of what a disciple is within our organization.

Values
Values are the way we do things. One way of thinking about values is that it is kind of like the car you drive. They spell out what really matters. It is our ethos our DNA values.

No matter which department it is there has to be a congruency of organizational values.

Click [here] to see a list of our values. For a visual...I put them in an acrostic. You can do them however you feel is necessary. The important thing is that your team must know what is important as an organization.

Huge point I'm making in all of this is that for an organization to have unity, all of its departments must be going in the same direction. Having vision, mission, and values that simplify what you are doing can create the momentum, focus and unity to get the results you desire.

Organizational Strategy Part 1

When it comes to developing the strategy for your organization it is important to begin with three things: Vision, Mission, Values.

Some people lump vision/mission together and say they are the same. You can do that if you want. Others change vision and call it purpose, you can do that if you want as well. No matter what you do it is important that you have a clear cut picture of the future or your organization and have a strategy of how to get there.

I think that it is important to point out that a church or organization can only have one vision. Youth ministry, children's ministry, grand-ma sewing ministry...your vision is the vision of the church. When it comes to a church you don't get to choose your vision. God gives the vision for the whole house through the lead person whom He chooses. It is then the role of the youth ministry or any sub ministry to develop a strategy of how they are going to achieve the vision.

Ready for one more curve ball???? If you have thought through this whole process well, the vision, mission, and values should flow through the whole organization no matter what major department.

It is the goal of the leader when creating the vision/mission to keep it simple enough for every major department to follow. The only major difference then would be in goals and tasks of accomplishing the vision.

This is a hard point for some to swallow especially when, for example, as the youth pastor your head doesn't have a clear cut vision or even understand this process. I worked at one church where you wouldn't have known the vision of our church, because there wasn't one articulated nor written. I also worked in one where the lead pastor had the mission statement as the vision statement. For me it didn't paint the picture, it showed me the process, but there wasn't a clear articulated picture of the future. I knew what we were doing but not where we were going.

Senior Pastor/Lead Pastor/Business Leader, as the lead person for your organization it is important for you to get this one right. Tomorrow, in Part 2, I will define each of these three and give you some examples. And then in Part 3 we will wrap it up with some details for our plan.

How clear is the vision where you are at?

Our Goal Here

I thought it would be prudent to remind everyone who reads here at Making Difference Makers that this blog went in a different direction over the holidays and what our goals with this blog.

This was of course my original blog and I have many loyal subscribers here. Most of you know that as a blogger last year I was very random and had tons of posts on here (667 in 2007). That is why I started my personal blog which you can follow over at jasoncurlee.blogspot.com.

The content on my personal blog is going to be a journal of our journey in launching our church, Life Church, as well as a sounding board for all I'm filtering. I also may post up some randomness as well but not as much as the past.

Some of the goals of this blog are to provide leadership training to our own leaders as well as to the ministry/business community and to give organizational help to churches and their ministry departments. I also plan to have more guest post like this one.

Basically I wanted to cut out all the randomness and bring it to the essences of the title of this blog: Making Difference Makers.

If you are one of our subscribes here add a link to Making Difference Makers on your blog and help us make a difference.

2008 Ideas

Got lots of ideas storming my head about this blog for 2008. I really want to take it to a whole new level.

I want to elevate this blog to what it's ultimate purpose should be.

Hopefully if you have read for any amount of time now you will know that I had a subtle shift at the end of 2007 with starting my own personal blog. There was a reason for it.

The reason was so that this blog could live up to it's potential.

With that being said here are some of my ideas:

1. I am about building community. So I want to bring a guest blogger on board for this blog. Ultimately this is my brain child but it is not just about me. It is about getting the best content to develop others. So if you would like to guest blog on a permanent basis, write a post and email it to me. You can find my email address in my profile. I'm looking for the post to be based on my theme here. The purpose of this blog is to influence and develop others to make a difference in their world. Although we have a ministry theme I don't want to be limited exactly to that but am trying to stay predominantly in that genre. I can see us branching out to helping business leaders, family leaders, etc...All through January I will be accepting posts if you want to give it a shot. I will be judging really tight...imagine Simon tough. Don't let that scare you off...let it inspire you to excellence. If for nothing...challenge yourself. Top five entries will get props with the post showing up here on the blog and the number one post getting the spot.
   
2. Although I would love for blogger to catch up...I don't see it happening that fast and might need to take this blog to another platform. My first thought is taking it to wordpress and then hosting it through it's own website. I want to create its own identity/brand and bring even more legitimacy to the blog. If you would like to partner with us by donating to make this a reality let me know and I'll give you details.
   
3. I want to bring you guys into the mix with your input. What would you want to see out of this blog? How about a podcast? Video cast? What ideas could you see?

Lay down them comments for me....please. Take the challenge.

Spread The Love

Before you start thinking that this is only a youth ministry blog...let me assure you that the purpose of Making Difference Makers is about developing and influencing others to make a difference in their world.

Since I am a pastor this may lean more to the church ministry side. This series, Triple Your Youth Ministry really is about leaving something behind for all the youth pastors out there.

I know there are many youth pastors out there that have a dream about making some maximum kingdom impact. If you have a youth ministry blog or are a pastor...please feel free to give this series a link in your blog.

Here is the link for the whole series:
http://jaycurlee.blogspot.com/2007/12/triple-your-youth-ministry-in-one-year.html

Whether you feel it is for you or not it may help someone out there reach this next generation.

Spread the link love.

Much thanks to Terrace for spreading the word already. If you are a youth pastor out there...make sure to check out his blog.

Know Where You Are Going

Many years ago I was taking our basketball team to the state tournament in Galveston. Since I had been there two years in a row I was pretty confident that I knew how to get there. Only problem was this time I was going at night and I didn't double check my directions. Needless to say I missed my turn and about 10 miles out of the way I knew I was lost.

As a leader of a church, business, family head or even as an individual I believe that it is important to KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING.

One of the things I've been guilty of is allowing life to take me where it wants me to go. I've allowed others to put me in that proverbial box. They have made the choices for me based on their needs and desires. This is all great and fine until you realize you have gone down a path that didn't take you to your ultimate destination.

I want to challenge you early on that you need to begin to start shaping the journey to your destination. I believe this is possible even if you work for someone else. When you you begin shaping your destination it is easier to motivate yourself, your team and even your organization to move toward where it needs to go.

You can know where you are going by:

1. Create a Map - One thing you can do is design a road trip map to your future. Just today I read the vision for CityLife Church in Australia. It was a great example of an organization that has mapped out specifically the direction they are going. Know your life purpose and chart your course.
   
2. Set Up Mini-Stops - These would be quantified goals that strategically let you know you are on track to your future.
3. Refuel Along The Way - Sometimes trips can be taxing. It is important to remember that part of the fun of reaching a destination is the journey along the way. Make sure you and your organization recharge and have fun.

Where are you on a journey to?

Inspirational Quotes

Hate to break in and create any randomness but I need some help. I felt this request was worth being on this blog since the title is called Making Difference Makers.

I need a quote and one that is inspirational at that. One that is motivational as well as cutting edge.

This is going up in my class on the board. As we are planting our church I'm teaching high school students in an at-risk charter school.

With that said, best quote in the comments goes up on the board. Know that you will be jumping into my world helping to make a difference in the lives of these students.

What's your favorite motivational quote?

Be The Change

When it comes to leading and organizations, change is inevitable. Great leaders though are always looking ahead and changing by design as they seek to make their lives and organizations more dynamic and effective in our current world. No matter what though, because leadership is such a fluid dynamic when it comes to leading people you have got to understand that change will come.

Change is a choice. You can either initiate the change you want to be or you can allow circumstances to demand the change that needs to be made and accept the outcome that is thrown your way. Either way, change is the only path toward transformation as we travel on this journey.

That is why you need to be aware of the three types of change:

The first is change by crisis. As you begin to look at your organization or department are you going to have to change due to a crisis. Maybe it is one of your leaders or staff that come to you and say they can no longer help out. Maybe as a church you have realized that you attendance has been declining rapidly. Maybe in your life a health issue has no forced change upon you.Were you prepared or are you now having to change due to the crisis. The cost is usually high when it comes to this type of change.

The second type of change is by drift. Many churches get into this type of change. They are always looking around for the next best thing. They see a mega-church doing such and such program that has gotten them results so they drift towards that. Then the see another church doing something else and they drift towards that. Or they even go along with the latest church fads. Usually the problem with this type of change is that it does not happen fast enough. Usually when you have changed because of drift you have changed too late or it wasn't the most ideal change for your organization or department.

The third type of change is by design. This is where being innovative leads you into the change you want. Successful leaders are looking ahead and, even though they might already be successful, see change as a chance to create new energy and momentum for growth. Changing by design is embracing change as a choice.

You can change by design and be the change you want by:

1. Charting your destination - Write out where it is you want to be in one, two or five years. Be specific.
2. Constructing a new course - Begin moving toward your new destination intentionally. Work your way backwards and set benchmarks to hit.
3. Creating the change - Begin making it happen. Be determined. Force the change.

Lance Armstrong said, "The easiest way to predict the future is to create it."

What change to you see coming?

The Leadership DNA of a Pastor Part 5

Lots of stuff packed into this series this week. This weeks series called The Leadership DNA of a Pastor has been a series devoted to helping a pastor or ministry leader to be more effective.

All week we have been digging into some leadership principles for a pastor or department head that can help make them more successful. In case you missed any here are links to all four parts:

Part 1 - Intro
Part 2 - PACESETTER and VISIONARY
Part 3 - DIRECTOR and RECRUITER
Part 4 - COACH and FRIEND

Everyone of these are great traits to put in place in your ministry. As you go through your week, month, and year think of how you can put each one into practice. I hope each of the summaries can give you some specifics. As you seek to be a better leader in your organization, let me give you a couple of resources that can be a better you.

Books:
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork
Lead on: Leadership That Endures in a Changing World
Riding the Blue Train: A Leadership Plan for Explosive Growth
Sabotage: The Nasty Little Secret We All Know Holds Us Back!

Blogs/Podcasts To Follow For Pastoral and Leadership Thoughts:
Potential Blog
Catalyst Blog
History In The Making
Lifechurch.tv: Swerve

Got some resources of your own???? Feel free to comment and let everyone know.

The Leadership DNA of a Pastor Part 4

After leading out this week with part 1 of a new post series called "The Leadership DNA of a Pastor", we are now in the home stretch.

In part 2, we coved being a PACESETTER and a VISIONARY. In part 3, we looked at being a DIRECTOR and a RECRUITER.

Today, we want to add in the last two leadership principles that could and should be in every pastors skill dynamic. The two we are covering today are being a COACH and a FRIEND.

A great leader is a person that coaches those people around them. Bringing out the best in others is a vital principal that will make all your teams successful.

As we look at being a COACH it is important in this area that people feel they are becoming a better player on a better team.

• Teaching: Understands and communicates a well defined game plan and teaches the team principles and concepts that make each team member a better and well rounded player.
• Developer: Aware of the development of each key team member and mentors them in their personal, spiritual, and emotional development.
• Aware: Socially aware so both people and project are managed well. Provides encouragement and positive feedback to keep morale high.
• Execution: Executes from a game plan with effective policy and procedure manuals and implements them by giving oversight to the training and mentoring of each team player.
• Confrontation: Knows how to confront difficult situations with dignity and grace while affirming the efforts of each team member.

The last principle is something that is so personal to me. I want to be surrounded not by a bunch of people who bow down and do what I want. I want to be surrounded by people that I can call family.

Leadership is not just about being organized and administrative, it is about caring for others. People don't care how much you know, they want to know if you care for them. A great leader is a person that cares for people around them. Caring for those that are on your team is another way you will be successful as a leader.

As you are a FRIEND to those on your team they will exhibit a feeling of being cared for by God and others as they do what they are called to.

To properly care for others you need to:

• Communicate: Communicates effectively the vision of the church and the department so volunteers know why their gift and commitment makes a difference.
• Models Maturity: Leads the department into a healthy care and connected environment that celebrates and supports people within the team structure.
• Supports: Responds to the crisis situations in a timely and empathetic manner and members feel supported. Oversees that small group relationships are built throughout the department.
• Disciples: Builds a network of teams that gives quality care in the form of life discipleship. Leads a leadership small group each month.
• Affirms: Affirms each team member’s importance and value to the team through fellowship events, awards, and communication and values each team member. Organizes departmental fellowships that are designed to build strong teams and cause members to feel connected.

What do you think makes some a strong COACH or FRIEND as a leader?

The Leadership DNA of a Pastor Part 3

Continuing in our series on the Leadership DNA of a Pastor lets jump right into Part 3. You can catch up by reading Part 1 and Part 2.

God has a great desire to build His church and He uses people to make that happen. In fact, I would say God wants to build it more than we do.

Today, we want to add on two more leadership principals that should be part of the DNA of a Department Head or Pastor. The are DIRECTOR and RECRUITER.

As you seek to be a DIRECTOR for your team you must realize that "key directives are easily understood so the team can follow".

• Systems: One of the responsibilities of a pastor is creating the necessary systems that make growth and stability a possibility. This leader understands how social, organizational, and technological systems work within the organization and joyfully work within those systems.
• Factors: Directors are aware of excellence in administrating the factors that create a productive ministry environment through good policies and procedures, job descriptions, volunteer schedules, and team ministry. They are decisive with integrity and honesty.
• Planning: Within the organization these leaders embrace and demonstrate excellence in creating a detailed plan that manages objectives and time lines well so that progress is made and goals are achieved.
• Culture: A great director understands that atmosphere is vital to the health of the team and does well in listening to the ideas of the team. They communicate with vision, kindness, and respect where the team develops a sense of mature community.

The fourth leadership principal our leaders need to be successful at is being a RECRUITER. Building strong teams is a key component of building a strong church. A Recruiter is one who makes their team members "feel personally assisted".

• Recruits: This dynamic leader assimilates volunteers into the atmosphere and spiritual disciplines of their church as a part of a team.
• Connects: They are great at connecting the gifts and passions of the team member to the appropriate job description and ministry.
• Assesses: The recruiting leader assesses personnel needs well and recruits accordingly. They don’t just plug holes but finds people who fulfill a needed role.
• Helps People: Developing people in the tasks assigned to them by having good training processes in place and when the task doesn’t fit them helps them find new places to serve is what makes this leader the backbone of the organization. They are aware of the individual training that is necessary to assist people in finding their unique place on the team
• Listens: They listen to the ideas and opinions of others and implement ideas the team has agreed upon.

Click here for a video series on recruiting.

The Leadership DNA of a Pastor Part 2

Each day this week we are going to cover two leadership principles that should make up the DNA of a pastor.

As we already covered in part 1, it is important to understand that great churches are built by great people. This means us personally, as well as the people we lead. Although I know it is Christ who ultimately builds His church, He does use people to make it happen. That is why it is important that we do all we can to be prepared.

Today, I want to cover the principles of PACESETTER and VISIONARY.

As a PACESETTER, people love following you for who you are. A pacesetter is one who leads through:

• Integrity: People of integrity chooses a course of action consistent with Christian values that demonstrate honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and productivity.
• Responsibility: Responsible leaders exert a high level of effort and perseverance towards goals, deadlines, and time-lines with dependability and take responsibility for mistakes.
• Self-control: A self-controlled leader sets well defined personal goals, motivates self, and demonstrates self control in the face of adversity and tension. They also demonstrate consistent control of their emotions with others.
• Humility: A leader of humility performs their position with a true sense of self-worth and maintains a positive view of self as well as affirms the gifts in people around him/her. They make an accurate assessment of personal knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Pacesetter: This leader ultimately sets the pace of the team consistent with the goals of the organization taking into account the gifts, abilities, resources, and maturity of the team members.
  

A VISIONARY leader is one in which the people they lead say they are consistently excited about what they do. A visionary leads by:

• Team Player: They understand and communicate the general vision of the church with excitement in an emotionally positive way and causes the team to see how their part is vital in the big picture.
• Sees Ahead: This leader researches trends and is aware of what other churches are doing to stay on the cutting edge. They are finding new ideas and using originality to meet and handle new challenges.
• Problem Solver: A visionary sees ahead of the team to make adjustments and problem solve to keep the team on track. They are effective in coping with different situations and problems and are able to take action without being told.
• Motivated: Visionary leaders motivate the team by contagiously casting the vision in an intergenerational way through different mediums to keep the team with high motivation for the task.
• Collaborates: Understanding the importance of the gifts of others and how they can be blended to create a better team is an important task of a visionary, as well as cooperating effectively with others through designing work schedules and assignments.

What do you see that can make a PACESETTER or VISIONARY better?

The Leadership DNA of a Pastor Part 1

This week I want to delve into what I feel are six leadership dynamics that should make up the DNA of a pastor. Although these six are just a starting point I do want to preface this week by saying that prayer and a strong spiritual life should be the backbone for your leadership.

As you set out to develop the leadership culture of your church. It is important to understand that great churches are built by great people. This is why it is important to understand that the growth and stability of your department or church will be on how much you develop your leaders.

I know there is kind of a mixed dynamic in the church world when it comes to talking about leadership. You may even have your own filter about it as you are reading these posts. I can tell you this...in my years of leading and being on different staffs I have seen the value of each of these leadership dynamics. I have seen that as a person puts laws like being a pacesetter, visionary, director, recruiter, coach, and friend into place, it brings more stability and growth within the church as a whole. Developing your leadership core to embody these six should be a priority.

A long time ago I realized that God doesn't give us what we can't handle. That is much like a cup. God will only fill our "cup" until its full. A full cup stretches the limits of it's boundaries. It is only when we enlarge that cup will He give us more. That is the dynamic of faith. Faith always stretches us and enlarges us. As you begin to work on these six "laws" your cup will stretch to hold more and more capacity thus furthering the work that God wants to do on this earth.

What are some of the dynamics that make up your leaders?

The Birthday Blog-Secrets To Healthy Aging

Today's guest post is by Randy Reed. Randy is the Lead Pastor of LifePointe Church in Coralville, Iowa. Lifepointe had it's first meeting in September of '07 and has quickly grown as a new and radical church in their area. As well as being a personal friend of mine for many years Randy writes some creative posts at his blog The Confession Stand.

Today is November 7th, 2007. Today is my Birthday! Today I just turned 40 something. The rest of the something really is none of your business or anyone else’s. I have a young wife that keeps reminding about that "something" part all the time. In addition she watches daily my financial assets wrapped up in a hefty life insurance plan that looks extremely good on paper. I am just glad that she believes the longer I stay alive the better my antique value soars. I pray her way of thinking continues as long as it can. I am relieved she is yet to prance around our house singing the here today gone tomorrow song with meaning and enthusiasm.

So let's just get one thing straight--I am old--no let me rephrase that--I am older than my wife and a few other people that I know, like my 3 year old and five year old sons, Joshua and Deaven. Outside of that I am not older than dirt and I don't need a Kirby vacuum cleaner to prove my manhood--as in needing help to blow out my candles. And those of you that are out there in Cyber-space who know where I live and who know my real age--well--keep your big mouths shut. No I really mean it. My wife and a few friends have already hurt my feelings enough today.
So here are a few secrets to healthy aging--

1. Keep reminding yourself that there is always somebody else in front of you in the ARP line. Someone already beat you to the senior discounts! So take your time in getting there.

2. If you never grow up (get older) you never know what it will be like to get rid of diapers--of course for some of you I know what you may be thinking--THAT DEPENDS!

3. You get to smirk at those younger than you since you have already obtained knowledge of what is around the corner--things like Preparation H, Rogaine, Geritol, and Meals on Wheels, and Bingo night at the old folk’s home. Never tell someone younger than you what to expect. When they finally experience this stuff--then sit in your rockin’ chair and laugh your head off.

4. Aging is priceless--wrinkle crème companies pay older folk 2 cents on the dollar to become lavatory guinea pigs. Don't bend over for those pennies on the ground--have companies hand them to you. Saves the ole back by the way!

5. During retirement--the option to become a bag boy/girl or smiling greeter at Wal-Mart is always available for consideration. If you can't read or fill out the application on your own--take a younger friend with you who can. No one will ever know the difference except you.

So there you have it. My secrets to healthy aging.

I would have shared a few more but I just can't seem to remember any.......
Oh and if you are planning to be a difference maker in this life, in your world, on your job, in your church, and in "your" ministry. I have some old timers’ news for you. I don't care how good you think you are doing things in the name of God-- now or in the future--none of it will matter if you end up selling your soul in losing your health, your mind or your family. The priorities of a difference maker begin at home and they stay at home. If you think you are growing things for God and the growth of your marriage is stunted shame on you. If you find yourself making a difference in the lives of other families and in the lives of other kids and not your own. Shame on you! Difference making should be home spun and home done. There are no excuses otherwise!

I have seen too many, too often, pour too much, into someone else’s world, life, and projects. There are way too many difference makers riding off into the sunset and arriving back home with nothing left to give. And of course this is called godly and necessary--and servant hood. Tell that one to God on judgment day. The difference maker who does not take care of his loved ones becomes worse than an infidel. I read that somewhere in the difference makers handbook--or was it the difference makers Bible. I told you my memory has been slipping gears lately.

I may be getting old--I mean older, but there is one thing I have learned while spending frivolous time on the Christian merry-go-round of being a difference maker. I have gotten off the merry-go-round and have no plans to get back on it. The greatest difference I can be making begins at home and stays at home the majority of the time. I refuse to raise someone else’s kids. I refuse to be married to someone else’s wife. I refuse to spend more time with the guys and forget the girl. I refuse to listen to someone else’s problems more than listening to the voices where I live.
I refuse to give and give and give. I refuse to be a difference maker--unless my difference making begins and ends at home.

Do I sound like a cranky old man? I promise you that I'm not. They say the older we get the wiser we should get. So if you want some wise advice--as a difference maker--spends more time making a difference in the lives of those close to you. Save the leftovers for someone else!

Recruiting Volunteers

Our next guest blogger this week is Bill Reichart. Bill is the Pastor of "Doing Life Together" which involves Small Groups and Connecting at Big Creek Church in Forsyth County, GA. Prior to coming to Big Creek, Bill worked on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ for over 16 years. Be sure to read more of Bill's thoughts at http://www.provocativechurch.blogspot.com

I have been thinking a lot about volunteers recently, particularly since everyone in my ministry down-line happens to be a volunteer. In churches, the work of ministry happens because of volunteers. Since volunteers make up 95% of the ministry workforce, the question that we need to grapple with is, how do we lead and recruit volunteers? Here are just a couple of my thoughts...feel free to comment and add your own.

1. Vision is their paycheck. A volunteer isn't motivated and driven by a paycheck (hence the label volunteer :-) ), so what gets a volunteer to step up to the plate? Vision. Vision, that is compelling and communicated often, is key for volunteers. They want to know how their service in their corner of the church fits into the overarching mosaic of the church's vision, mission and purpose. Vision not only keeps volunteers motivated but it is the essence of recruiting volunteers. You want people to join your ministry team? Share the vision. People respond more to communicating "vision" rather than just merely sharing "need".

2. You need to give people volunteering on-ramps. How do people connect with volunteering opportunities in your church? What is the process? Is it simple? Is it clear? At Big Creek Church we are working on clear and simply on-ramps giving people the opportunity to serve. (read Simple Church by Rainer - this book has been challenging us big time the last 8 months). Very often people want to serve - they just need to know how. We currently use our Taste of Big Creek (a.k.a. monthly newcomers lunch) and our Big Creek Inquirers (membership event) as two major on-ramps to help connect people with serving opportunities.

3. Volunteers need to be celebrated. It is true that most people volunteer because they want to use their gifts and make a difference. They are not overtly looking for praise and recognition, but that doesn't mean that they don't deserve it. Whether it be big, huge volunteer appreciation gatherings or simply walking in the nursery and thanking the lady who is holding a crying baby - volunteers did to be celebrated.

4. Volunteers often times will only rise to the level of your expectations. There are some volunteers who will go well beyond the call of duty, but most volunteers will serve up to the bar that you set. So set the bar high. Too often we are afraid to ask a lot from our volunteers - that is a mistake. Ask boldly, ask big! You will be surprised how motivated volunteers are willing to serve.

5. Volunteers will only work under leaders. People that are serving in your church need clear direction. You need to lead them. Make sure that you do your due diligence in planning and preparation as a leader. At the same time, don't worry if your don't have all the answers. As a leader you should concentrate about being clear with your volunteers even if you are not certain about every detail (via Andy Stanley)

6. Volunteers recruit other volunteers. One of the biggest issues for leaders is recruitment. As a leader, you have tapped into our sphere of relationships and may now feel tapped out. As a leader, you don't and shouldn't be the key recruiter. Encourage your volunteers to recruit their friends. People love to serve with their friends and they have a circle of friends and relationships that you probably don't have.

What are some of your thoughts about leading volunteers in your ministry context?

Do They Even Care What You Know?

Today's guest post is by Tyler Madison. Tyler is a middle school computer teacher, who is also the youth director at Northridge Assembly of God in Grand Island, Nebraska. He has a great interest in developing people and young people especially. Tyler has some great inspiring thoughts you can read on his blog at realyouthoughts.blogspot.com

Have you ever taken a moment to think about whether the people whose lives you are trying to impact even care what you have to say? Many of us get so concerned with what we are trying to get across, that we can forget about the actual people. I often catch myself focusing more on the content than the person.

This blog is called Making Difference Makers, and if that is what we plan on doing, we need to watch where our focus is.

I can tell you, in my main area of ministry, I will lose my kids, if they aren't made aware of how important they are to me. We've all heard it before, but it's worth repeating: They won't care what you know, until they know that you care.

As you go throughout you next few days, be purposeful about letting the people's lives you are trying to impact know how important they are to you. Don't give up your influence by neglecting to share that you care.

Tyler Madison
http://realyouthoughts.blogspot.com

Making Difference Makers - Recruiting Part 3

Making Difference Makers - Recruiting Part 3

A video on using vision to recruit.

Major Changes Part 3

If you all ready didn't know...We've been going through some major changes in our life. You can catch up at Major Changes Part 1 and Part 2.

In all of these changes I am going forward with one of my goals which I have had for some time now. That is to begin my own personal ministry. I have decided to call it....Making Difference Makers.

It is going to be a ministry dedicated to helping pastors all across the country with the administration side of church. Often times I see great men and women of God who struggle with the business and organization side of church. They have a great passion for God and are truly humble and depending on Him but with no grasp of a vital portion of ministry they are unable to experience the joy of a thriving and growing church.

Making Difference Makers hopes to give back much of the experience and knowledge gained from 14 years of ministry in growing a thriving ministry.

Over the coming months you will see a couple of changes in the tone of this blog as well as the look of some of my personal sites that will reflect this new direction.

Making Difference Makers - Recruiting Part 2

Making Difference Makers - Recruiting Part 1

Here is a new video series on Recruiting I'm starting here.