This section of our site is designed to be a resource to individuals in leadership positions and who wish to increase their leadership potential.
Regular visitors to this resource will find leadership thoughts and practices which when applied will help them increase their effectiveness in ministry.
Regular visitors to this resource will find leadership thoughts and practices which when applied will help them increase their effectiveness in ministry.
Planning A Journey for Growth
If your desire is for increased effectiveness in personal or team ministry, you need to have the tools for success. Serious growth seekers look for ways to increase their sphere of influence. They want to broaden their minds and are willing to think outside the box. This series of discussions will give you cause for reflection and challenge you to have a plan for growth.
Week One: The Gift of Leadership
The Scriptures inform us that there is a gift of leadership. This gift is given by God for the edification of the church. It enables the leader to direct the church in a manner that is blessed by God. Individuals with the gift of leadership know their position comes from God and they are guided by Him. This gift from God equips the church to accomplish tasks, develop the local congregation and serve others. Spiritual leaders cast a vision for the church and give direction and oversight to a congregation.
We all Lead
Not all of us have the gift of Leadership and hold leadership roles in the church, but we all lead within the sphere of our influence. We can increase our influence for God in the family, at work, with friends, etc. by studying and applying principles of leadership.
It is our vision that you will utilize this resource and watch God use you for his glory.
The Scriptures inform us that there is a gift of leadership. This gift is given by God for the edification of the church. It enables the leader to direct the church in a manner that is blessed by God. Individuals with the gift of leadership know their position comes from God and they are guided by Him. This gift from God equips the church to accomplish tasks, develop the local congregation and serve others. Spiritual leaders cast a vision for the church and give direction and oversight to a congregation.
We all Lead
Not all of us have the gift of Leadership and hold leadership roles in the church, but we all lead within the sphere of our influence. We can increase our influence for God in the family, at work, with friends, etc. by studying and applying principles of leadership.
It is our vision that you will utilize this resource and watch God use you for his glory.
Week Two: A Good Foundation
Let’s Jump In
When we accept the fact that everyone is a leader, we must establish a good foundation for ministry success. We need to answer the question, where can we best lead? Your greatest influence will come within your area of giftedness. A prelude to doing ministry is the identification of your God given gifts. One of the greatest mistakes leaders make is ministering in areas, or recruiting others for positions, where they have less than the best opportunity to do an excellent job. This practice results in a lack of joy in service, restricted influence and early burnout. Many leaders feel they don't have the time, inclination or resources to identify and develop gifts. Likewise many feel that they do not have the human resources to match gifting with ministry. This is a mistake.
When we place individuals in leadership positions, (or take positions ourselves) we should first clearly communicate or understand the expectations of the role. Expectations for every ministry should first be communicated in written form and then followed up with a one on one discussion to ensure everyone involved in expecting the same thing.
Effective Leadership doesn’t end with the right recruitment and clear communication of ministry expectations. The leader is responsible for identifying and providing needed resources and training. In the church environment, we are sometimes guilty of not providing a sufficiently rich environment for success. A leader does not have to possess all knowledge, he needs only to provide access to needed resources.
A working knowledge of the process of leadership is more beneficial than knowledge of specific subjects. A gigantic task? Too much to add to your present responsibilities? Not really. You have to develop a new mindset and re-evaluate your leadership priorities to determine where you can have the greatest influence. Invest yourself in others, develop leaders and multiply your influence.
Enough to think about for now.
When we accept the fact that everyone is a leader, we must establish a good foundation for ministry success. We need to answer the question, where can we best lead? Your greatest influence will come within your area of giftedness. A prelude to doing ministry is the identification of your God given gifts. One of the greatest mistakes leaders make is ministering in areas, or recruiting others for positions, where they have less than the best opportunity to do an excellent job. This practice results in a lack of joy in service, restricted influence and early burnout. Many leaders feel they don't have the time, inclination or resources to identify and develop gifts. Likewise many feel that they do not have the human resources to match gifting with ministry. This is a mistake.
When we place individuals in leadership positions, (or take positions ourselves) we should first clearly communicate or understand the expectations of the role. Expectations for every ministry should first be communicated in written form and then followed up with a one on one discussion to ensure everyone involved in expecting the same thing.
Effective Leadership doesn’t end with the right recruitment and clear communication of ministry expectations. The leader is responsible for identifying and providing needed resources and training. In the church environment, we are sometimes guilty of not providing a sufficiently rich environment for success. A leader does not have to possess all knowledge, he needs only to provide access to needed resources.
A working knowledge of the process of leadership is more beneficial than knowledge of specific subjects. A gigantic task? Too much to add to your present responsibilities? Not really. You have to develop a new mindset and re-evaluate your leadership priorities to determine where you can have the greatest influence. Invest yourself in others, develop leaders and multiply your influence.
Enough to think about for now.
Week Three: Modeling
We should never recruit an individual and place that person in a role without making sure the person understands the role and has had experience in the role.
One very effective way to orient an individual to a new role is to model the role. Modeling is a technique used to master a new activity or leadership role.
Steps in Modeling
1. Observes the activities or duties of a model.
2. Shares in the activities or duties with the model.
3. Works supported by the model.
4. Performs the duties of role alone.
Each step in the modeling process should be tailored to the individual. People differ in the amount of time needed in each step. The time required can best be identified through observation of and consultation with the new recruit. Never rush the process. Always give support and mentoring after the individual is functioning on his own.
Week Four: The Team Approach to Leading
The days of top down management are history. In today's environment, people don't give their best efforts until they believe that they have input into the planning and direction of the organization. People have to feel that their opinions are valued.
When leaders allow others to participate in the decision making process, they empower those they lead. This does not mean giving authority. It is not a sign of weakness but it is a strength. When we utilize the team approach, we do not have to possess all the information but can draw from the skills and knowledge of team members. The result is better decision making and participant satisfaction.
The team approach recognizes that the group has a potential that the sum of the individuals don't possess. Working as a team requires allowing the group to have a greater influence. Effectiveness and productivity increases as individuals take ownership of the organization's mission and goals.
Week Five: Planning for Growth
To be the greatest influence and to reach the maximum growth for you personally and for your organization requires planning and affirmative action. Do you have a personal growth plan? Does your chruch or organizaiton have a plan for growth? If not, Why not? The most effecient growth is intentional.
Start your plan by answering the question, Why do you exist? Think about it. How do you want to make a difference? When you discover this, you will be on your way to identifying your purpose in life. Write it down, communicate it.
The statement you made when you wrote down your purpose is a Mission Statement: A mission statement tells the reason why a person or group exists. It is a broad statement with a long-term focus that is easily understood and communicated. MISSION STATEMENTS SHOULD BE DONE IN A GROUP OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS.
To Develop a mission statement:
1. Identify and reflect on successes, write them down, see if there is a common theme.
2. Decide on your Values. What things are basic to what you are? If the list is long, choose several that are of the most value to you. Values are the highest priorities your group holds. They are the qualities you see as being oood and worthwhile.
3. Think about how you might be able to make a difference. Write your thoughts and reflect on them.
4. Write one statement that best describes what you are all about.
Week Six: Writing Value Statements
Value statements are statements that describe the ways you or your group will act. Value statements are clear and to the point. When identified and written, they must be shared and lived. They are the guide you will use to carry out your mission.
Look at what you said you valued in step 2 when developing your mission statement. Write each of them in the form of a statement. If you said you valued prayer, a value statement might be "Prayer is the foundation of all activity." Do this for each of the things you said you valued. The values statements you write will serve to remind you of what is important to you. Write the list of value statements and display them in a prominent place. Communicate them to everyone who has an active interest in your mission.
Each time you embark on a new effort or ministry, look at what you believe and reflect on whether or not the new effort or direction demonstrates what you believe. Remember, your Value Statements and Mission Statement should be always before you guiding your steps. Don't rush this process. Because these statements are the result of group input, everyone should take ownership for them. It is the responsibility of the leadership to see that every effort is made for this to happen.
Look at what you said you valued in step 2 when developing your mission statement. Write each of them in the form of a statement. If you said you valued prayer, a value statement might be "Prayer is the foundation of all activity." Do this for each of the things you said you valued. The values statements you write will serve to remind you of what is important to you. Write the list of value statements and display them in a prominent place. Communicate them to everyone who has an active interest in your mission.
Each time you embark on a new effort or ministry, look at what you believe and reflect on whether or not the new effort or direction demonstrates what you believe. Remember, your Value Statements and Mission Statement should be always before you guiding your steps. Don't rush this process. Because these statements are the result of group input, everyone should take ownership for them. It is the responsibility of the leadership to see that every effort is made for this to happen.
Week Seven: Writing a Vision Statement
Earlier we discussed how to write a mission statement. Now, we will turn our focus to writing a vision statement. Whereas a mission statement speaks of where your church is, a vision statement tells of whee your church will be. It is a bird's eye view of what will be taking place.
Imagine looking in on yourself and your organization at a specific point in time in the future. What would you hope to see? You will see people living out your Mission and demonstrating the values you hold as being most important.
The vision statement you write is a picture of what you hope to achieve. When writing you will use phrases like: I or We see....; Members are active in....: People are recognized by.....; etc.
Many leaders fail to take the time to help their teams to reflect on who they are, what they value, what they should be about and what their long-range goal is. This knowledge is essential to personal growth and the growth of the organization. When these things have been processed, they must be regularly revisited and be highly visible.
Imagine looking in on yourself and your organization at a specific point in time in the future. What would you hope to see? You will see people living out your Mission and demonstrating the values you hold as being most important.
The vision statement you write is a picture of what you hope to achieve. When writing you will use phrases like: I or We see....; Members are active in....: People are recognized by.....; etc.
Many leaders fail to take the time to help their teams to reflect on who they are, what they value, what they should be about and what their long-range goal is. This knowledge is essential to personal growth and the growth of the organization. When these things have been processed, they must be regularly revisited and be highly visible.
Week Eight: Celebrating Strengths
Never underestimate the value of identifying the things you are good at. Often these are the things that come natural to you, your gifts and talents. What are the things you like to do? These are the things people look to you for, the things you have had some accomplishments in.
It is not enough for you to identify your strengths. You must celebrate your strengths and successes and those of your team. Celebration is a practical means of rewarding people for things well done.
Gifts and talents should be developed. When you identify strengths you should automatically seek ways to help your gifts and talents to grow. This is a primary responsibility of a leader if you or your team is to advance.
List your strengths. Think about them. Which ones need support and development. Plan to support your strengths. They will be one valuable tool to help you determine what ministry you should be involved in. Choosing the right fit for you will give the most reward and prevent mission burnout.
It is not enough for you to identify your strengths. You must celebrate your strengths and successes and those of your team. Celebration is a practical means of rewarding people for things well done.
Gifts and talents should be developed. When you identify strengths you should automatically seek ways to help your gifts and talents to grow. This is a primary responsibility of a leader if you or your team is to advance.
List your strengths. Think about them. Which ones need support and development. Plan to support your strengths. They will be one valuable tool to help you determine what ministry you should be involved in. Choosing the right fit for you will give the most reward and prevent mission burnout.
Week Nine: Identfying Weaknesses
To achieve maximum potential for you or your team, you need to be aware of your total picture. Your strengths are the tools you have to assist you in your growth. Sharpened, they enable you to achieve maximum potential for increased influence. Your weaknesses show the potential areas for growth.
It is important to identify the areas where growth is needed. Those are the areas that will help you to achieve your mission. Weakness or growth areas should reflect your values and be instrumental in reaching your vision.
List your areas for potential growth. This is best done in a brainstorming session. Remember, when brainstorming, record the thoughts as they come to mind. Don't give a rational for your idea at this time. Accept all thoughts as having equal value. Feed of each others input without discussion. Discussion will inhibit the thought process.
When the list is complete, have each team member rewrite suggestions in the order of importance. Ask all members of your team to priorize the list by assigning a numerical value ... 1, 2, 3, etc. The number 1 represents the greatest priority. When this task is complete, record all responses. Write the value all individuals assigned to each item by that item. Next, calculate the total of all responses recorded for each item. The lowest total identifies the top priority for your group. The next highest total will identify the second priority and so on.
The priority list you have developed will be a key instrument to assist you in establishing future goals. Type the list and share with all stakeholders. You are now ready to set the path for your trip.
A Reminder: By now you understand who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go. It is always important to revisit what you know about yourself so you can honor who you are and be reminded of how you will function.
Week Ten: Setting Goals
Some people have a dream to travel the world. This is a long term goal that cannot happen in the short time. Long term goals are general statements of what you wish to ultimately achieve. In this case it might read: "I will be a World Traveler." Note: It is important to reflect on what this goal means to you. You could aim to visit every city in the world. That would be impossible. You could choose to visit each country in the world. This too would be unrealistic. However, it would be more realistic to plan to see each continent. Be careful to keep all goals achievable and measureable.
To travel the world, you need to pick particular destinations that when traveled bring you nearer to to achieving to long term goal of being a world traveler. Each short term trip is a short term goal. Short term goals are more specific than your long term goal. It will take a number of short term goals to achieve a long term goal. A short Term goal in this case could be: "To tour the major destinations in Europe."
Each particular destination that you travel must be planned for. You will need to plan how you will travel, when you will travel, what you will choose to see, where you will stay, who you will travel with, who will be responsible for arranging each activity. gather resources for the trip. In developing your plan for the short term trip, much information will need to be gathered and sufficient resources will have to be provided. A budget is a necessary tools to help you have a successful trip.
You should record your plans for future reflection.
To travel the world, you need to pick particular destinations that when traveled bring you nearer to to achieving to long term goal of being a world traveler. Each short term trip is a short term goal. Short term goals are more specific than your long term goal. It will take a number of short term goals to achieve a long term goal. A short Term goal in this case could be: "To tour the major destinations in Europe."
Each particular destination that you travel must be planned for. You will need to plan how you will travel, when you will travel, what you will choose to see, where you will stay, who you will travel with, who will be responsible for arranging each activity. gather resources for the trip. In developing your plan for the short term trip, much information will need to be gathered and sufficient resources will have to be provided. A budget is a necessary tools to help you have a successful trip.
You should record your plans for future reflection.
Week Eleven: Keeping on Track
When a journey has been planned, the challenge is traveling the course you have laid out to achieve the goal. Tracking is one of the best tools to help you have success. It is helpful to establish a form to assist your tracking. Your form would contain the following columns:
1. the activity you plan to take to reach each particular destination.
2. a date on which you hope to complete each activity
3. the individual who is mainly responsible for the task
4. a date when you will review your progress.
Constantly monitor progress and revisit your plan. It is perfectly acceptable and necessary to adjust your plan when you realize that the planned path has been blocked. The broad goal (to be a world traveler) is what you wish to achieve. Remember the old addage, "there are many roads to Rome".
Always celebrate your achievements and keep your goals in clear view.
1. the activity you plan to take to reach each particular destination.
2. a date on which you hope to complete each activity
3. the individual who is mainly responsible for the task
4. a date when you will review your progress.
Constantly monitor progress and revisit your plan. It is perfectly acceptable and necessary to adjust your plan when you realize that the planned path has been blocked. The broad goal (to be a world traveler) is what you wish to achieve. Remember the old addage, "there are many roads to Rome".
Always celebrate your achievements and keep your goals in clear view.