Why do ministry and work so easily crowd out other priorities in our lives? Why are we so busy we miss out on family life? This exercise will probe three common reasons for busyness.

1. Has your free spirit flown too far? Many creative people prefer wide-open schedules, working out of the office, and the freedom to follow their creative inspirations. While the creative spirit is a blessing, it can ...

Topics:	Balance, Discernment, Family, Growth, Health, Leadership, Management, Time
Filters:	Christian education, Church board, Discipleship, Elder, Management, Office administrator, Pastor, Stewardship
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Ecclesiastes 2:22-23, Galatians 1:10
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Wise planning considers all possible consequences of an action. Here are three cost questions to ask before beginning a new program:

1. Will this distract us from our primary mission? I came to Elmbrook Church fresh from ministry in Europe to countercultural youth. Shortly after my arrival, I discovered that one hundred young people, most of whom had dropped out of organized religion, were meeting ...

Topics:	Direction, Expansion, Growth, Master plan, Measuring ministry, Objectives, Planning, Strategy
Filters:	Church board, Deacon, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Kings 22:5, Galatians 1:10
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Wise planning considers all possible consequences of an action. Here are three cost questions to ask before beginning a new program. Apply them to a ministry you're considering.

1. Will this distract us from our primary mission? I came to Elmbrook Church fresh from ministry in Europe to countercultural youth. Shortly after my arrival, I discovered that 100 young people, most of whom had dropped out ...

Topics:	Change, Direction, Growth, Leadership, Master plan, Planning, Strategy, Transitions, Vision
Filters:	Church board, Deacon, Discipleship, Elder, Outreach, Pastor
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Kings 22:5, Galatians 1:10
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Click an image or title below to order any of these recommended resources.

Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders, 2nd edition
by Aubrey Malphurs
Don't let the "advanced" part scare you. A great source for vectoring your church direction. (Baker)

Change: Learning to Lead It and Living to Tell about Itby Jock Ficken This book is especially helpful for the older congregation ...

Topics:	Direction, Expansion, Growth, Master plan, Measuring ministry, Objectives, Planning, Strategy
Filters:	Church board, Deacon, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Joshua 24:15, Isaiah 61:1-3, Galatians 1:10
Date Added:	August 27, 2007