A national newspaper recently reported on the downfall of a fast- rising company. The reporter quoted one executive as saying, “The vision was not flawed, but I am sad to say the execution was.”
Some churches share a similar fate. They know who they are and where they want to go but cannot seem to carry out ministries regularly. Most churches can ratchet up their performance without spending a great deal of time and money. It is the little things done well over time that make the biggest differences in the life of the church. While great events have their value, consistency in just a few areas can take a congregation to the next level.
How can leaders improve their churches’ follow-through?
1. Ask “How?” Keep in mind that the other side of vision is detail. Each time someone speaks about how the church can grow or change or be creative in worship, think about how this is going to happen. Not everything can be known from the beginning, but someone must consider ramifications of ideas, programs, and promotions before they are launched.
One question seldom raised is, “Does it fit?” An idea or program achieved results in other locations, but can it be done where you are now? Is it appropriate in light of who you are and where you want to go? Knowing the talent pool within the congregation is essential.
2. Put First Things First Before spending too much time trying to understand why Sunday school or small groups are not working as you would like, look at the givens. Foundational to mission and ministry are the spiritual practices of the people. Often these disciplines are overlooked when attempting to program and staff a church.
Who says you can go anywhere or do anything without prayer, obedience, faith, worship, stewardship, and agape love?
The church’s mission is essentially spiritual; therefore, to grow and develop in a Kingdom-directed way, a spiritual foundation must be laid. What makes spiritual practices special is that they are conditional on only God and the individual — not on church size, location, and resources. Spiritual disciplines may be the most important details of all.
3. Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind Small steps, disparate as they may seem, are easier to take once they are part of a destination greater than one program or promotion.
4. Follow Up If you send flyers inviting people to a “caring” or “friendly” church, remember that while printing and postage are expensive, words are cheap. Perhaps the biggest single factor separating congregations today is this: One follows up; the other does not. It is almost shocking when people do what they say they will do — but oh, how refreshing! Contacting absentees or remembering to send a get-well or anniversary card is love in action.
5. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate Put yourself on the receiving end: Would your message and instructions come across as clear? Is there a way for people to get back in touch if questions or problems arise? Most people do not pay attention until the last minute; therefore, a leader must use repetition in different formats. Just think how helpful it is to get that call from the dentist’s office reminding you of your appointment tomorrow.
The goal in all of the above is not perfection; it is to be there for someone who needs you. People appreciate nice things done for them. What they remember, however, is your church’s presence and Christlike spirit.
—Russell D. Bredholt, Jr., is president of Bredholt & Co. in Orlando. To reply, write rbredholt@aol.com.
—To reply to Kevin Miller, editor of this newsletter, write Newsletter@LeadershipJournal.net.
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