I finished reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry a few weeks ago and now I want to share what I found to be most the helpful and impactful for my life and ministry. 

First the spark notes:
Clarify the Win: Fuels our motivation.
Define what is important at ever level of the organization.

Thing Steps, Not Programs: Protects our alignment.
Before you start anything, make sure it takes you where you need to go. 

Narrow the Focus: Points us towards excellence.
Do fewer things in order to make a greater impact. 

Teach Less for More: Guarantees that we stay relevant.
Say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it.

Listen to Outsiders: Keeps us focused on growth.
Focus on who you’re trying to reach, not who you’re trying to keep.

Replace Yourself: Assures us of longevity.
Learn to hand off what you do.

Work On It: Positions us for discovery.
Take time to evaluate your work – and to celebrate your wins.

Spiritual Growth in Children
Wisdom, Faith, and Friendship

The ability to make wise decisions based on the truth of Scripture.
A willingness to put their faith in God through every situation of life.
Their demonstration of love and kindness to the people in their world. 

 Is it true?

 Is it interesting?

 Is it creative?                    <  Is it Helpful?

 Is it passionate?

 Is it entertaining?

 

“One thing I learned from you that I’ll never forget is…”
(Community, Kids, Parents, Volunteers, Staff)

“You should strive to find the delicate balance between facilitating the growth of believers and reaching those who are unchurched.” -Andy Stanley

There were many insights gained from this book two most cutting points were that I need to clarify and celebrate the wins in my ministry. Time slips by with each passing week. Goals get set, goals get met, and we evaluate but one thing I often fail to do is share the goal and celebrate when it is met. This past Sunday at Southern Hills I took note of the wins that happened at church and I shared them with my team. *Seeing Lydia Baldizon and John Skinner worship during our communion song! *When Ansley Hulsey was looking for her coach Hannah Baldizon and the smile on her face when she was there to welcome her! *When Drew Johnson brought forward both his tithe AND offering as an act of worship! Had I not invested the time into reading this book, these three wins would have slipped away, but instead this week they were celebrated and remembered.