It's usually around budgeting time each year when the importance of the sabbatical is reconsidered. At first glance, it's not a very good idea to provide a pastor with a sabbatical. Right? The pastor is gone for an extended period, resulting in the need to hire replacement speakers or otherwise meet the ministry's need in the pastor's absence. In most cases, the church provides some form of a stipend to allow the … [Read more...]
What’s The Plan?
Strategic Planning ... One Of The First Steps For The New Executive Pastor
After the new executive pastor implements data collection and reporting, it's time to tackle planning. Leading the church staff through a strategic planning process, resulting in a documented plan that is regularly reviewed and updated, is probably the most important thing a new executive pastor must do in the first few months of their ministry. I've posted on the topic of planning a few times over the years. … [Read more...]
It’s Your Fault
Addressing A Common Cultural Characteristic In Many Organizations
I recently re-read a booklet entitled Culture Shift by Dr. Price Pritchett. One chapter was right to the point, in my view, concerning a common cultural characteristic in many organizations. Still, it is especially prevalent in those where rapid change is the norm ... like a church during a pandemic. The chapter is entitled, Taking Personal Responsibility for Fixing Things. The local church is an environment that … [Read more...]
How’s Business?
Data Collection ... One Of The First Steps For The New Executive Pastor
Understanding the current "state of the business" is one of the first tasks for the new executive pastor. Peter Drucker said it best, "What business are you in, and how's business?" From a post I wrote a while back, the concept I'm putting forth here comes from the Performance Cycle. Starting at the end, Measuring Results, the new executive pastor must implement data collection and reporting processes right from … [Read more...]