With the New Year around the corner many churches, leaders, and organizations are considering how to be more effective. Planning for 2019 has already begun. There is a vast difference between planning and strategic planning that leads to implementation for effective ministry. Today, we plan a big event and consider it successful if no one was injured.
Strategic planning for effective implementation requires deliberate and calculated preparation, development, and scheduling. Most organizations have difficulty thinking outside their own experience, or what they heard worked for someone else. The second one, it worked for someone else so let’s try it, is dangerous and should be avoided.
One of my repetitive phrases is “Do not copy models, capture principles.” If you like what someone else did and their results, don’t copy their model. Find out the principle that made it a success. Then apply those principles to the unique giftings of your organization.
As for the first difficulty listed above; our personal experience is all that we have assurance of. If we have not experienced something, it is difficult to think in relative terms. This is why every organization, churches included, should consider bringing in an outsider, a coach. Someone trained and experienced in assisting organizations in discovering and developing its God-ordained path and giftings. Don’t fall for someone wanting only to sell their program or resources or without true life changing experience with like organizations.
A well trained, experienced coach will bring to the table what no program can. Read part of what one pastor, David Denton, discovered about bringing in the right type of coach. Yes, he is speaking of me. But what I want you to glean is, whether you ever call me or not, capture the underlying principle, the right path requires bringing in the right person.
“Every pastor has to work hard to be an effective leader. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of leadership is charting a course for the future with confidence. An effective vision is clear, concise, communicated frequently, and shared by those who are part of the leadership team. It is the pastor’s responsibility to guide the staff to discover and implement that vision.
I was exposed to George’s ministry while preparing to be a coach for local churches and was impressed with his knowledge of effective communication. In the Fall of 2016 I read George’s book Reaching the Summit and decided to invite George to meet with our staff for a weekend to help us plan for the new year. He graciously agreed and I have not regretted the decision. George did not give us a road map but equipped us to lead by asking all the right questions. I particularly appreciated the fact that the whole process was bathed in prayer.
The time we spent during those few days praying, talking, and thinking about the future were invaluable. We developed a theme for the year “Take the Next Step” to challenge one another, our church, to be faithful Christ followers in every area of life. It has been wonderful to hear the testimonies of our church members who are following Christ by faith.
If you are in need of some coaching or some help in the area of leadership development I would strongly encourage you to give George a call. You and your congregation will be glad you did.
David Denton, Highland Baptist Church, New Iberia, LA
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click this link for a copy of Turnaround Journey