By Todd Adkins
One minute we think we know where we are going and how we’re going to get there, then the next, we’re scrambling and trying to address the complexities that arise in our churches and ministries. This past year of ministry was full of uncertainty and tough decision after tough decision.
In today’s world, we must be agile leaders, able to lead rapid change.
Here are 8 steps to help you and your church propel your ministry forward.
Step 1: Breaking Path Dependence
“That’s the way we’ve always done it …” How many times have you heard that phrase? Sometimes, we get locked into doing things certain ways without even thinking about why. However, a crisis forces us to challenge our assumptions and break path dependence.
Step 2: Strategic Realignment Grid
Your church will likely need to re-allocate resources during a crisis. So what do you stop? What do you shift? What do you strategize? What do you scale?
Step 3: We Can If …
As church leaders, we must keep our teams optimistic, flexible, and focused on what essential ministry has to happen with a “make it work” approach. “We Can If …” helps you reframe your thinking to break through the obstacles of “We can’t because …” to find new solutions that you didn’t see before.
Step 4: Ministry and Volunteer Audit
How many volunteers do you have? What volunteer roles do you have? Do you need new or adapted roles? How can you shift current volunteers into these new roles?
Step 5: New Roles and New Volunteers
What new volunteer roles have emerged in your church or ministry? Creating volunteer profiles or job descriptions helps you establish clear expectations for all roles in your church or ministry.
Step 6: Simplifying Ministry Processes
Are your ministry processes simple? Are you an iron chef, Grandma, or a cake-in-a-box? Establishing clarity helps you give away ministry responsibilities.
Step 7: Rapid Onboarding and Development
As new and adapted volunteer roles emerge in your church, how do you quickly recruit and develop someone? You may consider traditional training or new/adapted training to best meet these needs.
Step 8: Ongoing Ministry Alignment Framework
God’s hope for the world is the local church. The local church is His Plan A, and there is no Plan B. As we face uncertainty during a crisis, sometimes we must quickly move forward in making a decision. This is why you must continually evaluate your ministries and make adjustments as needed. The quicker you are at making solid decisions, the better leader you will become.
In case you missed it, check out our FREE Ministry Grid course on 8 Steps to Prepare Your Ministry for 2021 that examines these 8 steps and provides in-depth resources to walk through as a staff or ministry team.
