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...]
Setting Priorities In The Church
Three Buckets ... A Good Model To Use When Making Resource Allocation Priority Decisions
Determining and setting priorities is perhaps one of the most important roles of the leader in today’s church. What should demand the attention of the staff and volunteers and what should go on the “back burner?” That is the question. And, with limited staff and even more limited financial resources, it’s essential that church leaders are clear on priority setting. What is "top priority" and what can (and should) … [Read more...]