I admire the simplicity and clarity of Andy Stanley. He pastors a large congregation, with many satellite locations in Atlanta, Ga., and has written a number of great books. His best, and that is just my opinion, is the '7 Practices of Effective Ministry'.
Over the next seven blogs I will highlight each practice and how it is being worked out at the Lifecentre.
Here are some Andy Stanley quotes to muse over.
"The tendency in business, or in church work for that matter, is to mistake activity for progress. We think that just because people are busy and doing a lot of stuff that we are being successful."
"Don't be so concerned about keeping the folks you've got, that you neglect the folks you're trying to reach."
"Unfortunately, churches have a reputation for doing ministry without an end in mind...the gravitational pull of a church is usually toward over programming."
"Ministry becomes diluted because it is flowing in too many different directions. Years of adding and never subtracting have created layers of programs that all feel necessary."
"Today's church needs wise and courageous leaders who will simplify their activity and refocus their mission."
"You can drastically improve how much people learn if you teach less."
"Too many churches are hiding behind what is convenient and comfortable while an entire generation is being left in the dark."
PRACTICE 1 - CLARIFY THE WIN - this fuels momentum.
“It is impossible to know if you are making progress if you are not clear about your destination. This means examining each and every event and program and asking the question, when all is said and done, what is it we want to look back on and celebrate? Even the best team can't score if they can't find the net. In this lesson we'll discuss the importance of clearly defining a win at every level of ministry.”
The Story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:10
The goal of Jesus every day. Look at everything in the story, it is filled with details, but the final statement of Jesus makes the goal clear to all who are listening.
AT LIFECENTRE.
We clarify the win by meeting every Monday morning to celebrate the win from the activities of the previous week. Each member of the team needs to ask, “What can I do to improve my area of ministry”? As well, we evaluate based on ‘what happened’ and do our best not to gloss over or see only the good things that occurred. We must be both faith filled and honest with each service, event, or ministry.
Tomorrow: Think Steps not Programs
At Mission O, Ministers Matter!