Completing this chapter tonight.
Provide on-the-job training.
This is in many respects better than pre-service training, because before a person is doing the ministry they don't even know which questions to ask.
Also, a long pre-service training course loses peoples' enthusiasm. On-the-job training gets them to the coalface faster.
(Note: The SALT program at Saddleback is interesting in that it appears to be one program for all ministries rather than providing specific training. They do, however, have other programs for training in specific ministries.)
Never start a ministry without a minister.
Don't create a ministry position and then try to fill it. Without the right leader, a ministry will stumble along and may do more harm than good.
Trust God's timing and let ideas percolate until God provides the right person to do the job. Also never push people into ministry. If you do the person will have a motivation problem.
Don't worry if there isn't a person for a particular ministry. Take a long-term perspective as a leader. Solid growth takes time.
Acts: organising always followed the Spirit's action.
Establish minimum standards and guidelines.
Best intentions are not enough when working with human beings. Job descriptions are needed which outline issues like time commitment, resources, restrictions, lines of authority and expected results.
Keep these standards clear and brief. e.g. Saddleback: Any member who has completed Class 301 and a SHAPE interviewmay begin a new ministry as long as they follow 3 guidelines:
1) Don't expect the staff to run your ministry - "The church should do something"; You are the church!
2) The ministry must be compatible with the church's beliefs, values and philosophy of ministry. -Be careful of any ministry that does not. Especially careful of events co-sponsored by other organisations.
3) No fund-raising is allowed. A unified budget is essential for a unified church - it avoids fights over limited dollars!
Allow people to quit or change ministry gracefully.
People need to be allowed to take sabbaticals or change ministries without feeling guilty. They may become stale or need a change of pace. If someone doesn't enjoy or fit a particular ministry, they are encouraged to change to another without shame or embarrassment.
Experimenting is the best way to discover your gifts. During lay ministry month, everyone is encouraged to try a new ministry if currently unsatisfied.
Trust people: Delegate authority with responsibility.
The secret of motivating people over an extended period of time is building ownership. People in a particular ministry need to make their own decisions without interference from a board or committee. People respond to responsibility. If you treat them like babies, you have to change nappies and feed them for the rest of their lives.
Expect the best of your people and trust them with ministry. Rick did everything for a while, but got burnt out and made a deal with the church -"If you agree to do the ministry of the church, I'll make sure you're well fed!" The church was never meant to be a one-man superstar show.
If a ministry is built around a prominent person it is personality driven, not purpose driven, and if that person leaves or dies the ministry dies with them.
Provide the necessary support.
Provide material support - Space, paper, copy machines, telephones etc.
Provide communication support -Develop ways to stay in touch with lay ministers.
Provide promotional support - Keep ministries visible to the congregation.
Provide moral support - Express appreciation in both private and public ways.
Renew the vision regularly.
Don't use guilt or pressure. It is VISION that motivates. Help people see that there's no greater cause than the Kingdom of God.
"Imagine dying, and fifty years from now somebody in heaven comes to you and says 'I want to thank you.' You reply 'I'm sorry, but I don't think I know you.' They explain 'You were a minister at Sanctuary. You served and sacrificed and built the church that reached me for Christ after you died. I'm here because of you.' Do you think your effort is worth that?"
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