| In the past couple of weeks, I’ve shared thoughts on our culture, the importance of staying true to what God has called us to, and the challenge of being bold in our faith and inner leadership. Over the next two weeks, I thought it would be helpful to provide some practical ways to start implementing these ideas. We often talk about taking bold next steps, but sometimes it can feel very conceptual. Today, I’d like to suggest three actions you can consider that will enhance your leadership and help your church become bolder.Do Some Self-Evaluation You don’t need to go through a full-blown assessment to identify areas for improvement. One of the best ways to do this is by asking the right questions. Asking insightful questions is one of the most effective ways to understand what’s happening in your ministry and to identify any gaps. Key questions to ask both internal and external audiences include:What is the purpose of our ministry?Is the work we’re doing accomplishing that purpose?Asking people inside and outside your church about your effectiveness, reach, and impact will help you pinpoint areas for improvement and develop actionable steps to address them. Give Others a Chance to Lead Leadership is a common topic in books, conferences, and various resources, but delegating responsibilities can be challenging. Trusting others with leadership roles is risky, but it also provides opportunities for people to use their gifts in ways that can significantly advance your organization. It might be scary, but there may be individuals waiting for the chance to contribute. Their involvement could be immensely beneficial. Connect with People Outside Your Day-to-Day Circle I understand that finding time for new relationships, especially with people outside the church, can be difficult. However, these connections can offer encouragement, new perspectives, and accountability that you might not have within your current network. Consider reaching out to a church nearby or connecting with a senior pastor for lunch. You might also form a small group of pastors from different churches to meet for breakfast once a month. You’ll be surprised by the value that can come from these relationships, as people are often willing to be vulnerable and supportive. Additionally, connect with pastors within your denomination or network. Churches similar in size and stage of life to yours may face similar challenges and share similar hopes and dreams. I encourage you to reach out to your regional director to see if there are pastors who would be a good fit for you to connect with. These are just a few ideas that I hope will be helpful in providing actionable steps for your church. Next week, I’ll share more thoughts on this topic. As always, I am deeply grateful for the work you do in your ministry and the calling that God has placed on your life. If I can be of any encouragement, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to connect you with someone nearby and assist you in your ministry. – Dave Whitaker |
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