Archives For mission

Setting and Keeping Goals

October 20, 2011 — 2 Comments

I’m a big list maker.  I prefer the Santa method, I make a list and check it twice.  My moleskin is full of to-do’s, notes, and things I need to remember to stay on top of all that I’m required to do.  But sometimes the list needs to get bigger, and be in front of you more.  There are some lists that fit the category of “Official Goals.”  But goals doesn’t suffice entirely, because goals can be broken down further into three different categories.

  1. Everyday Goals -> You could call these core values, mission statements, or whatever; but I prefer “everyday goals” as they are the filter that allow us to say no to other good ideas.  On our ministry team I have 3 everyday goals, and they are on my dry erase goal board…right at the top in red ink!
  2. Short Term Goals -> These are things that get specific, and I should be working on immediately (like yesterday if possible!)  These goals are quick-fix things that we can accomplish quickly and with limited discussion.  The accountability on these is fierce and lightning fast, because it has to be done and it has to be done shortly.
  3. Long Term Goals -> These are the goals that make everyone uncomfortable.  These are sometimes audacious and dreamer-oriented; but at the same time I have to see them as immensely doable at some point in the future.  I stay away from impossible things here, but still want to stretch myself with the long term initiatives of the team I lead.

But after I’ve nailed these down and illustrated them out for everyone, I can easily end up with 20 short term goals and 20 long term goals; so what to do now?  Break them down into different areas of responsibilities; and start delegating them out.  And for heaven’s sake put them up where you can see them!  Here is an example of the goals worksheet my team and I have created together (click image to view them in a large format.)

In some upcoming posts I’m going to talk about the process of coming up with the goals themselves.  Because they are truly owned by everyone on our NextGen team, and that may be the most important part of all of this!

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Not Being a Jerk

March 24, 2011 — 10 Comments

Are you a nice person?  Are you an encourager?  Do people want to be in your presence?

Are you a jerk?  Do you push people away with insulting behavior and a lack of respect?

There is great power and influence in simply being a nice person.  Of course you could lead by demanding and pushing out those that resist, but then you will probably end  up working in a different place than the local church…right?  Unfortunately, this isn’t the case; and I’ve had my fair share of “What are they thinking?” moments with supervisors and pastors I’ve worked for in the church.  But when you make a decision to be a nicer person to those around you, you will open doors of opportunity to truly impact people around you with your vision for where you want to go!


There are probably 1,000 things that could help you be nicer to those around you, but have you considered these?

  • Have someone over for dinner.
  • Take someone to coffee.
  • Write a thank you note.
  • Send an unwarranted mobile text saying thank you.
  • Smile at people.
  • Stop complaining in the presence of others.
  • Stop conversations that are turning negative.
  • Compliment someones shoes.
  • Give people time to answer the question, “How are you doing?”
  • Be intentional about getting to know people.
  • Be generous with your time.
  • Open your life up for others to see.
  • Make eye contact when listening to someone.
  • Talk to children.  Really, really talk to them.
  • Introduce your spouse to new people.
  • Have a firm handshake and offer your hand to strangers.
  • Don’t brag about yourself.
  • Wear deodorant and brush your teeth.
  • Speak complimentary of your superiors and bosses.
  • Praise good things in others.
  • Laugh often.
  • Don’t laugh when it’s not appropriate.
  • Ask forgiveness when it’s needed.
  • Be quick to pray for people when they open up about a need.
  • Listen well, Talk less.

And most importantly, just try to be nice.  I can promise that if you intentionally set out to be a nicer person, it will happen.  People are much more gracious than you would imagine, and there is room for bad days here and there.  The power of forgiveness compliments this so well!

When we strive to be a person that is concerned for others, then we can become an influencer of people.  When you influence people, you can help lead others through life change!  The power to influence others may be the greatest power given to us, and it all starts with learning to NOT be a jerk!

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Ministry Staff Team Summary

June 11, 2010 — 8 Comments

I’ve introduced the topic of choosing a quality ministry staff team, I’ve covered Hiring Quality #1 “Love Your Spouse” and I’ve wrote about Hiring Quality #2 “Love the Church” and I’ve tackled the most important Hiring Quality, #3 “Love the Lord.” Interviewing, reading resumes, checking references, and discussing a candidates strengths and weaknesses are all a part of the process, but this week I covered the three most important hiring qualities that I’m seeking.  It should go without saying, that I also want qualified indiviudals with a high capacity to lead without constant direction from me.  If a person isn’t qualified, they won’t get an interview.  If that person interviewed isn’t qualified, they won’t get the job.  Make sense?

Here are some other interview tips from my years of seeking those qualified individuals:

  • Don’t cry.  Crying in an interview is rarely ever appropriate.  You ask, “Who would cry in an interview?”  Well, you’d be surprised how often it happens.
  • If you can’t say something nice about a past employer, then don’t say anything at all.  One could also try and find the good that came about through a what may have been a bad situation.  My experience tells me that bitterness, frustration, and problems from a previous job will often find themselves present in a new job.  Just sayin’…
  • For God’s sake, dress appropriately.  If it’s a business environment please dress business casual.  I’d also like to say a little something special to the women…That thing you wear that makes men stare…leave it at home.  That is all.  Thank You.  This is not about me stumbling, this is about your maturity level and respect for those around you.
  • Be on time.  Not 30 minutes early, and not 1 minute late!
  • Bring a copy of any updates to the resume I have on file.
  • Take notes of things that will pertain to you working for me and be sure that you end every interview by asking tons of questions about the position.  I’m constantly shocked about how many people will have no questions for me about the job they hope to get.  That’s a big sign of laziness to me as the boss.
  • Don’t ever, under any circumstances tell me that God told you that He was going to give you this job.  Seriously, keep it to yourself…
  • If you have an email address that begins with ‘fuzzycherrybomb392805′ then change it please.  That also goes for the 50 Cent-themed voicemail greeting that you have on your phone.  Grow up please.
  • Take time to think through your answers to my questions.  There is no hurry.
  • Please answer my questions.  Do not deflect, and never leave a question unanswered.
  • Spit out your gum.
  • Tell me your faults.  What are you learning to be better at?  Humility is important to every employer and REALLY important to me.
  • When interviewing at a church, always demonstrate an ability to be flexible and open to change.
  • Feel free to compliment me on how good looking my family is.  Their pictures are everywhere, it’s natural.  Go ahead and just admit that you think we are all adorable.  Seriously, I love a little small talk.  Don’t be afraid to just act friendly.
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Hiring Quality #3 // Love the Lord

June 10, 2010 — 1 Comment

I’ve introduced the topic of choosing a quality ministry staff team, I’ve covered Hiring Quality #1 “Love Your Spouse” and yesterday I wrote about Hiring Quality #2 “Love the Church.” Interviewing, reading resumes, checking references, and discussing a candidates strengths and weaknesses are all a part of the process.  However, there are three things that I’m looking for in every person that has the potential to join my ministry team!

Third, I want somebody that loves Jesus.  I know that some of you that have been reading all three of these Hiring Qualities may wonder why I put this last.  It’s because I was saving the best, and most important for last.  All the other qualities hinge on this quality.

One of the differences in interviewing candidates to work for a church from any other location of employment is that I can ask personal, spiritual related questions.  And if you ever interview with me you will hear a variety of these questions:

  • Tell me your story of seeking and finding Christ?
  • Tell me how you seek God’s Will for your life?
  • What has God been showing you lately in your reading of God’s Word?
  • Is there somebody that is mentoring you, and helping to lead you spiritually?

All of these questions, and many more, help me to gauge one’s relationship with God.

Why does it matter?  If a person can’t demonstrate in words (and tears) what God has done in their life then they will not be able to lead others down that same path.  Whether you are on my team as an administrative assistant, or a ministry leader you will have to show me in our short interview time together that the things you hold the most dear is your relationship with Jesus Christ.

This isn’t the least bit complicated.  Loving Jesus, is the gateway through which you will receive all inspiration, power, and motivation to do your job well.

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Hiring Quality #2 // Love the Church

June 9, 2010 — 1 Comment

I’ve introduced the topic of choosing a quality ministry staff team, and yesterday I covered Hiring Quality #1 “Love Your Spouse.” Interviewing, reading resumes, checking references, and discussing a candidates strengths and weaknesses are all a part of the process.  However, there are three things that I’m looking for in every person that has the potential to join my ministry team!

Second, I want somebody that loves the church.  I want to be careful here, because many that I interview have a pollyanna view of the church.  They think that working for a church, in any context, will set them free from all the workplace problems they’ve ever had.  I do indeed work with a quality team of individuals and some amazing leaders…but we are also all human and from time to time act like human beings.  I’m not looking for somebody that loves the idea of working for a church, but am looking for somebody that truly loves the local church.

How can I find this out?  It always starts with the “Where are you currently serving?” question.  Whether it’s been at the church I’m interviewing for, or at a previous church; if you truly love the church then you will be serving the people therein.  I’m also looking for warning signs.  Do they have terrible things to say about the past churches you’ve worked in?  Are they harboring resentment and bitterness about a past church experience?  Do they show respect towards previous pastors they’ve worked for?

This is much like Hiring Quality #1, in that I’m looking for someone that can articulate why they love their church (and the greater worldwide church as a whole.)  If you are going to serve on my ministry staff team, leading volunteers, inspiring leaders, and working with other ministry teams within the church; I NEED to know that you are concerned with the greater good of the Body of Christ.  I NEED to know that you are committed to the future of the church that you will be serving in.  I NEED to know that you will always defend, protect, and support the local church that signs your paychecks.

It’s simple really, if you don’t love this church…you will NOT be on my ministry team.

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