In June of 2009, we implemented a new "rule" related to our adult services. We posted signs at the main entrance to our auditorium communicating that children under five years of age are not permitted to attend our adult services. And, we actually enforce the rule! I always say, "Never make a rule you're not prepared to enforce." Pretty crazy huh? Or, is it? Of course, we understand the downside of asking a … [Read more...]
What Are Your “Core Values?”
A Reminder For Those Churches That Haven't Yet Taken The Time To Put Their Values On Paper ...
Having a list of "core values" is an essential part of defining the nature of any organizational culture. Core Values are also a critical part of any "strategy." Stating those things that help define your philosophy or approach as a church (or any other organization for that matter) is an important part of the overall strategy. Around here we say these are the things we're "willing to die on the fence over." They … [Read more...]
Theological Alignment And Recruitment
A Brief Description Of The Thought Behind And Purpose Of The "Ministry Staff Questionnaire"
There are lots of resources available here on Executive Pastor Online. One that I made available a few years back is the Ministry Staff Questionnaire. We use the Questionnaire for a number of reasons. It's probably the single most important part of the recruiting process. Sure, we have a Job Description for any position we're recruiting, and we require a prospective candidate to fill out an Employment … [Read more...]
Starting New Ministries
We Don't Start Ministries ... We Start Groups
I can't tell you the number of times we've been approached by a person in our church with an idea to "start a ministry." You know what I mean. "We need a men's ministry at our church." or "We should have a seniors' ministry here." Our response always boils down to our belief that anything we're going to call a "ministry" has to have someone "with skin on them" to lead it. It has to be lead well, be part of our … [Read more...]