The challenge of leadership is to somehow bridge the culture we minister in (the world), and the culture we minister from (the church). Meeting this challenge enables us to fulfill our calling and accomplish the purpose of God.
This issue of E-Lead contains information and articles that illustrate the challenge that ministry leaders face in having a relevant ministry. One example is the article under the Evangelizing portion of this newsletter: 5 Reasons Why You Should Twitter In Church. For some this will have little or no relevance to their ministry; some may see it as almost blasphemous. Finally, there will be those who view this as a relevant tool of ministry. Whatever your thoughts, it makes us think about the world to which we are called to minister.
It really does take all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people. Thanks for your ministry partnership.
Together we are building the Kingdom of God.
Bishop Mitchell Corder
EVANGELIZING
5 Reasons Why You Should Twitter in Church by Scott Williams (www.churchleaders.com)
Article excerpt below:
Thou shall not Twitter in church... says who? ...there are many people that believe that you shouldn't Twitter in church. As a pastor, I personally say, "Get your tweet on!" As a matter of fact, I say, "Tweet and tweet often!"
Many times, "church people" can look at particular methodology and technology as a negative thing. Technology is basically neutral; it's what you do with it that allows it to have positive or negative implications.
Today, we live in a more shared world than ever as information access and people connectedness just happens. The beauty of this world is that people can engage with God, engage with their past, and share pieces of that engagement with the world, all at the same time.
FIVE REASONS TO TWITTER DURING CHURCH:
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You have the opportunity to be a real-time extension of your pastor's voice.
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If the pastor shares something that moves you, inspires you, or changes your life, there is a good chance it will have the same impact on the lives of some of your Twitter followers as well.
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When Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel..." all the world applies to the Twitter world. Tweet the Good News.
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You will have a shored database of your compelling thoughts and notes from your favorite sermons.
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Many times, people suffer from SADD Sermon Attention Deficit Disorder. It's better use of your time Twittering great thoughts, instead of drawing on the back of offering envelopes.
EQUIPPING
Using the SWOT Method to Incorporate Change
*Excerpts from "Elements of a Strategic Plan" by Nancy Olsen and Howard W. Olsen, PHD
Have you tried the SWOT method when presenting or analyzing an idea that will bring change to your church? What is SWOT?
SWOT stands for Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat.
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Brainstorm the strengths/opportunities or weaknesses/threats for the current state / method compared to the future state / change.
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Compare the proposed idea to the current status.
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Use questions in the process, develop the idea for change through its pros and cons and the pros and cons for the current methodology. Adding information such as others' experience and potential impact will provide the most favorable evidence for change.
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Address any concerns or issues that surface as a result of your evaluation.
*The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is a tool that can also be used to help match internal organizational strengths with external opportunities to meet the needs of your constituents and community best. A good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, your opportunities, and the external threats is essential to the assessment.
The SWOT is only as good as the information it contains. Gathering information from your constituents about the effectiveness of your programs, services, and church is essential for the SWOT to identify key issues. The purpose of a SWOT is to help produce a good fit between your church’s internal resources and capabilities and your external environment (community).
When you plan you will need to set goals to build on your church’s strengths, shore up the weaknesses, capitalize on the opportunities, and recognize the threats.
Assess your strengths and weaknesses by answering these questions: what do we do well, and where could we improve?
Assess your opportunities and threats by asking what opportunities should we take advantage of and are there any emerging trends that might affect our organization?*
ENCOURAGING
10 Ways to Help Your Spouse Transition to a New Position by Ron Edmondson
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Celebrate what she’s doing – Many times your excitement will seem to diminish what your spouse is doing. I was talking to a young pastor recently who is experiencing great success in his new church. At the same time, his wife is watching their children. I reminded him that changing diapers on the children he loves is just as powerful. He knew that, but he needed a reminder to celebrate that fact.
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Help her explore…pace herself – Eventually, she needs to find her own identity. It will take time. Allow her the freedom to do so, even if that means you have to keep the children some so she can.
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Don’t lock her into your world – Don’t dictate her ministry. My wife and I our partners, but she is not me. Nor am I her. Her interests and mine are different. That’s okay. It’s actually by design. She makes me better. And, in a much smaller way I’m sure, I make her better.
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Listen to her – That’s always important, but even more so in times of stress or change. You’ll be busier than ever. But she will need you…more than ever. Listen.
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Let her grieve – She may mourn over the separation from friends. She may miss the old house. It’s a part of the acclimating process. Give it time.
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Be conscious – It won’t be the same. It probably never will be. Her role will be different. Your role will be different. You will have different friends. Your schedules may be altered. Your routines will change. Be conscious that this creates stress in people and relationships.
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Be present when home – When you finally get home, be fully home. Shut down. Have some times where you quit everything work related and be with your family. Give your family the attention they deserve.
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Celebrate your new area – Explore the new city together. Discover the hidden gems and be a tourist for a while. (I wrote a post about how to acclimate to a new city HERE.)
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Keep her informed – She will naturally feel somewhat isolated from your exciting new world. Don’t allow that emotion because you’ve excluded her from it. Make her feel a part of things as much as you can by giving her details of your day. I realize this will require even more patience, but during transition she needs to be even more a part of your day that she missed.
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Be patient – It may take longer for her to acclimate to the new environment than you think it should. That’s okay. She’s not you. Don’t expect her to respond to change the same way you would.
EMPOWERING
Embrace the Spirit to the Ends of the Earth
Pentecost 2013 is an Empowered21 global initiative which encompasses the weeks between Easter and Pentecost. The Pentecost Sunday Initiative is an idea birthed from Empowered21 conversations in which new generations requested to learn more about the Holy Spirit and God's immediate presence in their lives." - Billy Wilson, E21 Executive Director
FREE RESOURCES:
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Pentecost Weekend Video
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Ministrycoach.tv - 23 FREE video-teaching sessions
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50-Day devotional
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Links to articles and resources
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Resource offerings from My Healthy Church
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Sermon Outlines
Sign up today and be a part of the movement!
Join with churches around the world as we invite new generations to embrace the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Find these videos, devotions, ebooks, and articles listed above as well as other resources on the Empowered21, Pentecost 2013 website linked here, titled: Pentecost Sunday TV.
New Feature -
MONTHLY MINISTRY RESOURCE
This month's resource is a FREE eBook
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