Managing The Tensions Between Present and Future
ASSIGNMENT # 1
Get You Thinking
How Would You Assess Yourself
1 I value every person able to contribute to our organization. 1 2 3 4 5
2 T
1 T
1 T
1 T
1 T
ASSIGNMENT # 2
The Biblical Foundation
Read 1 Peter 5:1-11
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflective Questions
What kind of attitude should be reflective in a leader?
When is easier for you to have this type of attitude? When is harder for you to have this type of attitude?
How would define what humility is in leadership?
Andrew Murray in this book Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness says this about humility, “Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you.” How can we grow in humility together in leadership?
ASSIGNMENT # 3
Managing The Tensions
Watch Andy Stanley Talk On “The Upside of Tension”
Reflective Questions
What resonated with you from Andy's talk?
What is the advantage of not having to solve every problem but rather managing the tension?
What are the problems that you should not solve in your organization?
What are the tensions that you should not solve in your organization?
How does this talk change your perspective on the issue of managing the tension between today issues and tomorrow goals?
What questions does this talk bring up for you?
ASSIGNMENT # 4
Define The Win
Watch Andy Stanley Talk On “Define The Win”
Reflective Questions
Explain in your own words why it is important to prepare the ministry plan before building a budget, signing off on vendors, or implementing the new strategic direction of your department and why the ministry plan is a critical element in the planning process.
What is your organization's “win” or purpose?
Why is it important to understand your “win” or purpose?
What questions do you have about this?
ASSIGNMENT # 5
SETTING GOALS
Watch “A Complete Guide to Goal Setting”
Establish Team Goals & 6x6’s
A helpful tool in the planning process is to establishing team goals that are reflected in the ministry plan and personal 6x6’s. The team goals are coordinated together and create the overarching goals for our organization in the course of the year. To arrive at team goals that align with the mission, vision, and values, we use the lens of our core values being expressed in the vision.
Reflective Questions
Why it is important to set smart goals when creating a 6x6 or ministry plan? What challenges do you face in your area when thinking about creating SMARTER goals?
What are three smart goals that you could put into place for your area of responsibility as a director that could move your ministry role forward?
ASSIGNMENT # 6
Try It
Try It
Based on the following opportunities and obstacles
You are heading into a new season of ministry at a church, and you are in charge of bringing your team’s ministry plan to the executive team. We have the heart to mobilize people to serve in our community; however, over the past year, we have not had much success.
Our current situation:
We have two significant local outreach passions, our school partnership and foster/adoptive care, along with numerous other local partners
Every other month we host a Serve Saturday where a small group of people can serve in our community
We have a school partnership team that consists of a few people.
Once a year, we have a big initiative to challenge people to serve in our community
Our heart is to have at least 10% of our church attendance engage in serving in our community on a consistent basis. We are currently at 3%.
You are responsible for setting initial goals for the next ministry season.
Reflection Questions
What goals would you set for your team, along with key strategic actions you would take in order to reverse the plateauing areas?
What would your ministry plan look like? What kind of 6x6 goals would you put into place for yourself and for others on your team?
How would you plan to address the areas that are currently struggling, while maximizing the areas that are thriving?
You are going to present to the team. How would you honestly, yet positively, communicate the current situation and the plan moving forward in a way that inspires the team to go with you?
ASSIGNMENT # 7
Put It Into Practice
Using the 6x6 template. What might be your six big goals for your organization over the next six months?
Ministry Plan is an easy way to share with others what you are working on and why.
ASSIGNMENT # 8
Optional Go Deepers
Listen To The Michael Hyatt Podcast Episode “The 3×3 Goal Achievement Strategy”
Read “Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs Hardcover” by John Doerr