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Be the Change in Your Church
By Canon Steven Saul
AMERICAN ANGLICAN COUNCIL
https://americananglican.org/current-news/change-church/
May 2, 2016
Long-term success in any organization is planned and not accidental. It is not uncommon to talk about possible actions your team may take and then sit back and miss opportunities to set goals (take action) for ministry success. Have you ever been a part of a ministry team that met for a specific purpose and, when the meeting ended, team members left without clear direction, stated objectives and measurable goals? As leaders, we need to "be the change" -- change that makes a difference for the Lord.
There is really no greater threat to organizational success than a team that has "missed the mark" of goal setting. Some leaders may consider the process of planning to succeed as an unnecessary step. I, however, think Benjamin Franklin was right when he said, "If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail." The same is true for shorter and longer-term goals. Stating the preferred outcomes is important for every team. Identifying the required steps (step-by-step) that take the team to the desired goal is just as important.
While it takes a little more time to create a strategic plan for reaching the goal, the team that plans will have greater clarity and ownership for the success if intermediate goals are set along the way.
At a smaller church where clergy and ministry leaders wear multiple hats and serve in a number of ministry areas, it's common to think that everyone is on the "same page" and low attendance diminishes the need for goal setting. This is not the case. Planning for a desired outcome and determining what short-term goals will be reached on the way is the best step for ministry at every size.
AAC Church ReVitalization encourages ministry teams to set 30, 60 and 90-day goals. Why is this important? Because goals that are achieved are a reason to celebrate and they also determine if the team is on schedule for meeting longer-term goals. Short-term (intermediate) goals are the greatest attributes for long-term success. Con-sider naming a 30-Day goal with your ministry team and celebrate the first steps of greater victories ahead. Be the change, because success won't happen accidentally!
Discover our Church ReVitalization resources at www.AmericanAnglican.org/ChurchRevitalization
The Rev. Canon Steven Saul is Director of Church ReVitalization and Coaching
