How can I grow my organization when there are limited resources? "Scaling up" is a way to break through limitations to growth within your organization. In this article, we show you that it's possible to think outside the box and creatively use the resources you already have to help propel you forward.
What metrics are you using? Tracking the right metrics in the church will help you make the right course corrections and seek the right help as you move forward.
Connie Jakab talks about being a brave leader but has noticed people who usually don’t see themselves as leaders: people like parents (even though you’re only raising the next generation), teachers (who only have influenced everyone you see today), and entrepreneurs (who bring new ideas to solve problems and lead change in our world). Here’s how she moved past fear.
What changes are you planning in the future? Don’t stay where you are. Keep moving forward. Make sure that as you change, you navigate through some of these challenges in a healthy way. Whenever we implement change, we can either underestimate or overestimate how complicated it can be.
How can you reach more families with young children? Many churches struggle with this question as they find that they are an older congregation or they think they don’t have the volunteer capacity to reach out to families. Here are some simple ways you can reach families with young children that won’t cost you a lot of money and utilize a lot of volunteers.
How could our church support local athletes and share the gospel? First Assembly in Medicine Hat has become one of the most highly engaged Canadian churches in chaplaincy to a local sports team. The WHL Tigers organization trusts the church as a partner in the development of their young men. Players in the WHL (ages 16-20) live away from home, balance hockey and school, and face pressure that their peers wouldn’t understand, but they appreciate mentoring with no strings attached.
What is one thing I can do to help our church board/council serve with excellence? Soon, you will be going through the nomination/selection process for new board/council members before your Annual General Meeting. Interviewing candidates is a priority task. There are steps you can take today to help yourself, new members, and the function of your Board thrive tomorrow.
What are some practical and fun things people in our congregation do to focus on the sacred aspects of Christmas? An influential pastoral role at Christmas is helping families pay attention to the sacred, spiritual dimension of the holidays. Leonard Sweet’s book, Dance the Soul Salsa, calls on people to mezuzah their lives, meaning to make mundane moments sacred.
What is the best action I can take to increase giving before the end of the year? The last 31 days of the year are usually prime time for generosity. In fact, 30% of charitable giving is done in December. Individuals and business owners are looking for ways to use their discretionary resources—one way to make the ask.
What kind of strategies will help me break the 100 barrier, and why I should care? The 100 Opportunity is just that – an opportunity to get unstuck, reach people, grow yourself, and your church. We all know that attendance is not the be-all and end-all of church. However, it is one part of the character of your church. Some leaders see 100 in attendance as a “barrier,” but it really is an opportunity. An opportunity to spur congregational prayer, community impact, and make new disciples. Isn’t that what you pray for?
What are some practical ways to invite in more guests and for them to have an awesome experience at Easter? Imagine starting an Easter chain reaction. See lives transformed. Entire families coming to know Jesus. Building relationships with guests. All because you designed your Easter service to be about more than Easter.
