When you become a new leader, a necessary task is to learn the real history of the ministry enterprise you are inheriting. One of the best ways to do this is to sit down with those who work in the ministry and who are served by it and ask a series of insightful questions. One good place to have these discussions is in your home over dinner.
No matter what food you serve, the story is always the main dish. The primary goal is to talk about issues and events of past ministry life. Never pass judgment, instruct, or persuade. Simply ask questions and listen. Some of these questions can include:
- What factors drew you to participate in this ministry?
- What experiences have been the most memorable?
- Has participation in this ministry helped you become a better Christian?
- Is there anything that should have received greater emphasis?
Tell your guests that you are fascinated by stories about the ministry and that you want to know more. Usually, people are glad to dig around for something interesting to tell, especially if you prompt them:
What do you think has been the most important event in the life of the ministry since you have been involved? In many respects, their perception of important events is far more important than the historical value of the events themselves.
Tell me about my predecessor’s strong points. What do you miss most about his leadership? Always honor your predecessor, even if he or she stepped down in absolute disgrace. Most people hold some measure of affection for their former leader and appreciate an opportunity to share their feelings, especially if they see you are not threatened by their care for him. In an open atmosphere, they likely will speak as well about the shortcomings of previous ministries, even though you have been wise enough not to ask.
Have you ever been tempted to stop working with this ministry? What prompted the feeling? Why did you decide to stay? Everyone thinks about leaving at some point. If discretion permits, try to share with them the times you have thought about leaving a leadership role or a ministry and the reasons.
What has been the single biggest change in the history of the ministry? Again, your concern is not the issue itself but their response to it. You want to focus on the key issue: Have you been able to sense God at work in the life of this ministry?
This was taken from an article in Starting a New Ministry, and which originally appeared in Mastering Transitions, copyright 1991 Christianity Today International.
