IDEAS FOR MANAGING THE CHURCH

I. The role of the pastor

A. Look out the window. You are the one to plan ahead, to think, to give direction to the future.

B. Specific strategies:

1. Have people think next year, not this year.

2. Spend time as a cultural anthropologist.

3. Plan for opportunity rather than problems.

4. Emphasize ministry rather than structure.

C. Be purpose driven.

D. What decisions or activities will help me be more effective a year from now than I am today?

E. Lead

F. You make the goals, purpose. Work through and with people.

G. Establish the corporate ethos.

H. What's going to change this ministry most dramatically in the shortest time?

I. Initiative fuels ministry.

J. Keep the constitution accurate and flexible.

K. Concentrate on critical tasks.

L. Put best people in areas of highest priority.

M. Allow people to remain in area that uses their gifts.

N. Communicate the philosophical basis.

O. Listen to people and use their complaints.

P. Keep people centered, purpose driven.

II. Signs of a well-managed church.

A. A clearly defined purpose.

B. A widely understood purpose.

C. Servants who understand their unique contribution.

D. A strategy that works.

E. Financial integrity.

F. A well-cared for "Main Street"

III. Steps to Launch a Ministry

A. Build on leadership, not need.

B. Settle on purpose.

C. Determine a philosophy of ministry.

D. Establish a strategy

1. Nonchurched Harry

2. Seekers

3. Average believers

4. Zealots

E. Direct the resources.

IV. Recruiting

A. Where should you be serving Jesus Christ?

B. Present a well-defined, articulate job-description, qualifications lists, and responsibilities including term of service.

C. Recruit well in advance.

V. Motivating people to minister.

A. Use gratitude rather than guilt.

B. Tap people's existing dissatisfaction.

C. Give volunteers more than they put in.

VI. Streamline the structure

A. Use task forces rather than committees.

B. Select accomplishments rather than representatives.

C. Subordinate structure to action.

D. Limit size of decision-making bodies.

(from "Mastering Management")