In the church we leave a lot on the table when it comes to our events which could be resolved with a different preparation schedule. Churches know how to plan, but there is a major difference in planning and strategic planning that leads to implementation for greater Great Commission results.
We call VBS a success because we had some children show up and no one went to the hospital all week. Regardless of the event, we pull out what we can & say it was a successful event. We should find the good in an event recognizing what went well. Yet, what if when we get to heaven, we are able to view a video and see what divine results we could have encountered?
One of the first steps in planning any event, new ministry endeavor, or even teaching a Bible study class, is to give yourself adequate time for preparation. Through the years I have led conferences, consulted and coached churches in strategic planning that brings Great Commission results, being a practitioner of the same. I was once told, “We have never seen an event in that region draw more than 250 people. 200 will be a success.” To which I replied, “I’ve asked our team to pray for 400.” We had 520 show up the first year.
Adequate preparation is critical. I believe Bible study teachers should, “Prepare throughout the week. Do not wait until Saturday to prepare your lesson.” If you wait, you cheat yourself and your attendees of a great Holy Spirit led lesson. Study a part of the lesson each day of the week. This allows you to wrestle with the truth and your delivery come class time. You need that time for adequate preparation.
After service one Sunday morning, Ron, a middle school Sunday School teacher, came by my office. “George, I had to tell you this. Last week I was studying my lesson all week and could not understand how to transfer it to my kids. Wednesday, I just said, ‘Lord, I can’t do this! I have no idea how to do this Sunday.’”
Friday evening, he was at the office a couple hours late. A fellow employee came by his office and made one statement about his commitment, being in the office that late on Friday. Ron said, “George, I kid you not, at that very second, as soon as he made that statement, everything fell into place. I knew exactly how I was going to deliver the lesson Sunday. If I had not been preparing all week like you taught us, I would have missed the Holy Spirit’s working through that employee, giving me the lesson. I’m sure glad I didn’t wait till Saturday to start.” I asked Ron how the lesson went that morning. With a big grin he said, “It was one of the best lessons we’ve had all year.”
Adequate preparation with the Holy Spirit as your guide is not only important. It is critical! Whether a Bible study lesson, a special event, or a ministry project, give yourself adequate time and resources to prepare with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.