We live in a crazy, chaotic world. So, why does the church often add to families’ hectic schedules? How can we help them learn to focus and spend time on what really matters? And while we’re at it, how can we personally do better in simplifying our lives?
This month, we’ll be looking at how to strategically focus your ministry to meet people’s needs and reach families. And on a personal note, we’re going to challenge you to take charge of your own life so you can thrive in ministry and at home.
We know that you lead in several ways at any given time. You lead yourself, you lead volunteers, you might lead a staff, and you often lead up. So, here’s what we have in store for you to accomplish each of these tasks:
PERSONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
How can this happen every single week? Work commitments always seem to be in overdrive. But don’t allow that to interfere with the investment you make in yourself as a leader. Go ahead and grab your Number 2 pencil to mark some personal time each week this month to invest in your own leadership development—20 minutes should do it. We’ve already got a plan for you, so making the time is the first step to accomplishing it.
BOOK PREVIEW: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
The concept behind The Slight Edge is something that seems very basic, even common. Make simple positive choices daily, and over time you will see the results. Deep down we know this. We know if we read a little, write a little, eat a little better, over time it makes a difference. This book is a little motivation to try it out.
PODCAST: Matt McKee Interviews Steven Carse from the King of Pops
Not to be mistaken with “the king of pop.” After being laid off from the corporate world, Steven vacated the cubicle for the kitchen. He began making homemade popsicles and selling them from a cart. His now thriving business, may seem simple, but is incredibly successful.
REAL WORLD: Method
You can’t help but notice Method products when you pass them in the store. It’s hard not to stare at their unique designs or laugh at some of their wording on their labels. After researching this relatively new company (just celebrating 10 years), it’s easy to see why Method was able to successfully—and with a little attitude—take on the giants in the traditional cleaning category. We could definitely use some of what they call their “obsessions” to better change our churches, schools or any other organizations!
VIDEO: Reggie Joiner
Simplicity starts with where our focus is. Reggie challenges us to remember that the only thing that matters 100 years from now is our relationship with God. Have you moved the lamp stand away from illuminating who God is and are shining it on programs instead? Have you placed things of lesser importance ahead of what you know your priorities should be? If that is the case, what is the focus of your ministry? Is what you are doing really working? If not, maybe it’s time to rethink the way you are doing things!
TEAM LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Now that you have a plan to invest in your own leadership skills, why not make a plan to do some investing in your volunteers? Not like giving away big, fat bonus checks. We have a way to invest in your volunteers for free!
We’re going to make it really simple to become more intentional with your volunteer communication via some good-looking emails (if we do say so ourselves). We’ll even do the writing for you plus, you can even add your own words of wisdom to the messages.
Whether you’re leading a large staff, a few people, or you’re trying to lead up to your senior leadership, we’ve got something for you. We’re including another book review with this portion of YouLead because we felt it would be a great tool to reinforce this month’s topic.
WEEKLY EMAILS: Why We Do What We Do
Providing your volunteers with information that they can share with the parents of the kids and teenagers they serve will go a LONG way with your leaders. Sometimes the barrier between a volunteer and a parent is a simple lack of creative ways to connect with the parent—it’s time to change that.
This month we’ll be sharing encouragement, stories, and research in emails that you can send your volunteers. And we encourage you to challenge these leaders to turn around and share this same information with the parents of the kids and teenagers in your programs. Simple—did we mention that already?
BOOK PREVIEW: Simply Strategic Stuff by Tony Morgan and Tim Stevens
This book gives you 99 proven principles, strategies, and ideas for managing a successful, innovative, and healthy church team. Authors Tony Morgan and Tim Stevens provide real, practical guidelines and stories that will be easy to implement with your ministry teams.
VIDEO PREVIEW: Objectified – Spotlight on Apple
When Apple industrial designers design a product they are always redesigning in order to arrive at the most simplistic products. It is about how the simple things can make the greatest impact for the user. It’s a choice to choose simplicity over complexity, which in turn provides focus and clearer wins. Does your church value rethinking processes in order to make things simpler?
SENIOR LEADERSHIP PODCAST: Tim Stevens interviewed by Matt McKee
Tim Stevens is the executive pastor at Granger Community Church in Indiana. He joined Granger’s staff in 1994, helping the church grow from 400 to over 4,000 attendees, including a staff of over 40. He has led numerous construction projects, dozens of staff hires, developed the church’s vision and values, and aided in creating their strategic plan for the future. Listen in as he highlights a few of the most important strategies.
