Wayne Hedlund

Author: Wayne Hedlund

  • Ten Church Strategies: A Strategic Culture

     

    I’m convinced that healthy and growing churches result from BOTH prayer and strategic planning. I’m pretty sure you can’t have one without the other. I know that God expects us to both seek Him and make things happen. Jesus hit on this very idea in The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 when he described the pleased master as saying:

    “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things.” Matthew 25:21

    In this final installment of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ I will talk about perhaps one of the most important (and least attended) aspects of a growing church and organization: Strategic Planning. I recommend you also read some of the ‘Getting Started Thoughts and Disclaimers’ I wrote prior to this series on systems. It was written in three parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

    Key Sub-Systems of the Strategic System
    Following are the key sub-systems of strategic development in the local church. Ironically, we’re discussing what your strategy is for ongoing strategic planning.

    • The Strategic Team & Strategic Meetings
      Strategic planning is not a solo sport. Although one individual can plan and implement plans, that’s not how a healthy church will function – nor is it very effective. This system will build the best possible team (or teams) of leaders and will include regular, consistent and well led strategic meetings throughout the year. 
    • Philosophy of Ministry Development (mission/vision/values)
      It’s very difficult for your church leaders and staff to get where you’re going when it hasn’t been defined. Howard Hendricks said, “If it’s a mist in the pulpit, it’s a fog in the pew.” This system includes the development of your church mission statement, core values, and long range vision statements. Once that is done, this system will also ensure that your philosophy of ministry is integrated into every area of church life. 
    • Strategic Evaluation & Feedback
      Feedback is the bread and butter of successful strategic planning. Without regular and unbiased input your church will create amazing strategic plans that lead in the wrong direction. It can be the difference between hitting the target in the bulls eye and simply hitting the target. This system will create ways to evaluate every aspect of church life. It will include evaluating how well the Philosophy of Ministry is being integrated throughout church events and activities. It will also include occasional or regular evaluation of each of The Ten Church Systems. Finally, this system will evaluate the effectiveness of all major sub-systems and tactical plans.
    • Strategic Metrics & Benchmarks
      Metrics take evaluation and feedback to a whole new level. They will play a big role in setting agenda items for future strategic meetings. Besides revealing possible areas of weakness in the church, they will also bring great encouragement when your team is doing things right – resulting in growth and an increase in positive life change in your congregation. This system will track important areas of growth over a period of months and years. Common metrics often include giving, attendance, and small group participation.
    • Strategic Coaching & Training
      It is rare for the average pastor to be knowledgeable in every aspect of church life and development. Most pastors have been trained in the Bible, public speaking, and other aspects of spiritual care and oversight. Strategic planning and organizational development usually are at the bottom of their repertoire of skill sets. This is why it is critical the pastor and church leaders gather around themselves others who excel in those areas. This system will ensure that strategic planning happens through regular input from ministry coaches and/or a strategic leader. This system will also include ongoing training in areas of strategic planning for the pastor and all church leaders. (tip: subscribe to this blog!)
    • Ongoing Strategic Planning
      If you’ve followed along at all, then it’s very likely you’ve become overwhelmed reading through all of the ‘Ten Systems’ and their various sub-systems. No church can focus on every area at once. This system will ensure the feedback, metrics, and strategic team are all utilized in the best possible way in order to focus on the most important areas of church health and growth each year. It also includes basic training in strategic thinking for all key staff and leaders. Ideally, strategic planning will take place at every level of leadership and for every area of ministry in the church.
    • Strategic Roll-out & Tactical Planning
      At some point, everybody needs to stop talking and start doing. Surprisingly, this can be very difficult to do. Strategic Planning can easily become a sinkhole that leaders and teams can never find their way out of. This system will finalize strategic development through the creation of tactical plans. This system will also include intentional strategic steps to ‘roll-out’ new plans to other church leaders and the congregation without creating mass discord or dissension.

    Note: Inspiration for the Ten Church Systems comes from Nelson Searcy and the Eight Systems of the Local Church he proposed in his free e-book entitled, ‘Healthy Systems, Healthy Church‘.

  • Top 10 Posts of December

    Here are the top 10 Posts on Transforming Leader in December, 2011.

    1. Demystifying Your Plans
      A short devotional about planning based on James, chapter 4.

    2. Reading in December, 2011
      What I’ve been reading this past month (and still reading).

    3. Sunday Morning Announcements
      Includes some great ideas to make morning announcements more effective as well as som great video announcement examples from EGC.

    4. Ten Church Systems: The Stewardship System
      Part of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ series.

    5. Thursday Quote: Good to Great Volunteers (Jim Collins)
      Contemplation about where and how volunteers really fit into ministry roles.

    6. Would You Rather?
      A critical, ‘Critical Thinking Skill’.

    7. Ten Church Systems: The Leadership System
      Part of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ series.

    8. Leaders are Readers
      Tips on getting a lot of reading done, even if you aren’t an avid reader.

    9. Andy Stanley’s Podcast (for the non-tech Christian leader)
      How to get access to some of the best leadership teaching available for free.

    10. Ten Church Systems: The Discipleship System
      Part of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ series.

    The most read post this month, “Demystifying Your Plans” was actually written about 2 years ago under the title “Presuming on the Future”. I re-posted it in August and this simple devotional thought has received a lot of attention lately. It’s also a great reminder as we start out the New Year!

    Happy New Years!

    Image from seruvenci on istockphoto.com

  • Robert Morris Tackles Gluttony Head On!

    2012 has arrived (well, almost). New Year resolutions may not be as popular as perhaps years ago, but they are still relevant. The new year is a great time to recommit ourselves to our personal goals. Of course, many new year resolutions will revolve around exercise and diet. Have you noticed how many programs on the networks focus on food, eating, dieting and exercise? Healthy living is one of this culture’s greatest challenges.

    What can be mildly disconcerting is how little us pastors actually talk about it. The topic of healthy living is right up there with sex and money. Uncomfortably absent in many pulpits.

    So imagine my surprise when my wife and I tuned in to an online service at Gateway Church and heard an outstanding and very personal message by Pastor Robert Morris about this very thing. He didn’t beat around the bush either. I was challenged and convicted so much, I thought I’d spread the wealth.

    Pastors and church leaders – I would love it if you would listen to this message this week and ask the Lord how it applies to you. I know the topic won’t necessary be relevant to everyone (I know of some very healthy pastors), but it will certainly be a challenge to many.

  • Ten Church Strategies: The Discipleship Strategy

     

    I remember when I heard one of my children tell my wife that they hoped to grow up and be just like daddy. Nothing is more honoring than having someone want to emulate you. Discipleship in it’s purest form reflects the believer’s desire to emulate Jesus Christ. The childlike faith inside us says, “When I grow up I want to be like Jesus.”

    I’ve never met a pastor who doesn’t have discipleship as a primary goal of ministry. Many would argue that it is THE primary mission of the church. In this installment of the Ten Church Systems I will discuss how the local church can strategically develop a balanced discipleship plan. If you haven’t already, I recommend you first read my ‘Getting Started Thoughts and Disclaimers’, written in three parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

    Key Sub-Systems of the Discipleship System
    Following are the key sub-systems necessary to ensure the ministries, events, and services at your church lead to discipleship opportunities for your congregation. Note: This system will normally interface with every other system in the church. It will also tend to be more ‘strategic’ in nature than the rest of the systems (except for the Strategic System).

    • Discipleship Clarity System
      The local church will not facilitate discipleship effectively without first clarifying what constitutes discipleship. This system will strategically define the key facets of discipleship including all essential themes to plan and implement each year. As an example, Elim Gospel Church has defined six areas of discipleship (with some help from Rick Warren’s book ‘The Purpose Driven Life‘). Those areas include: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship (which includes areas of practical life management like finances/workplace/parenting/etc.), Service, Outreach and Power. EGC has also identified the key themes surrounding each of those six areas.
    • Discipleship Method System
      Once the key facets of discipleship have been defined, it is necessary to determine what methods (experiences/events/activities) the church has available to facilitate discipleship. The most common methods will include the Sunday service, classes, Sunday school, small groups and retreats. Others may also include pastor blogs, websites, publications, social media, conferences, etc. 
    • Discipleship Implementation System
      Finally, every theme of discipleship will carry a strategic plan for implementation, utilizing the church’s list of identified discipleship methods. This system will determine how each key area of discipleship will be offered to the congregation or community. Although not every theme and area of discipleship will be offered in equal measure, the best discipleship system will ensure all are included. For example, at Elim Gospel Church the theme of ‘Parenting’ is strategically implemented by making group materials available to small groups, pulpit teaching throughout the year, a special ‘Parenting’ class every other year, and a blog from the children’s pastor which includes regular encouragement to parents.

    It is important to note that nearly every method of discipleship will require several ‘sub-systems’ to effectively fulfill the goal of discipleship. Most have already been covered in The Ten Church Systems, but there are a few that haven’t been mentioned to date and should be recognized as an important system that facilitates ministry. Again, examples may include a church sponsored three day conference/retreat, a simulcast, a missions trip, a food pantry, an outreach into the community, and more.

     
    One of the most important aspects of this system is in ensuring that each method and it’s implementation is realistic and balanced with the overall life of the church and that it remains central to the church’s overall mission.

    NEXT – Go to ‘Ten Church Systems: The Strategic System‘

    Note: Inspiration for the Ten Church Systems comes from Nelson Searcy and the Eight Systems of the Local Church he proposed in his free e-book entitled, ‘Healthy Systems, Healthy Church‘.

  • Ten Commandments of Leadership

     

    Sometimes leadership involves sacrifice. It can include having to make tough calls. Often, it’s a lonely place where character, values and beliefs drive unpopular decisions. Leaders need to know why they are doing what they are doing, or they won’t last as leaders. Check out these leadership commandments I ran across years ago. Unfortunately, I don’t know their source – if you do, please let me know so that I can site it. 

    The 10 Commandments of Leadership 
    1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self centered. Love them anyway. 
    2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. 
    3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. 
    4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. 
    5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. 
    6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest ideas. Think big anyway. 
    7. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
    8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. 
    9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway. 
    10. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

  • Ten Church Strategies: The Leadership Strategy

     

    A few years ago, Bill Hybels ‘REVEALED‘ to the church at large that they (and probably many others) had missed something important in running the church over the years. They discovered that church leaders and mature members tended to feel sidelined or unneeded in the church. That’s a very broad summary, but true nonetheless. Sometimes us pastors can focus so much on guests, new believers, and the hurting/needy in our community that everyone else could easily get bored and frustrated.

    In this installment of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ I will discuss some ways pastors can ensure that leaders stay loyal to and integrally involved in the mission of the church. If you haven’t already, I recommend you first read my ‘Getting Started Thoughts and Disclaimers’, written in three parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

    Key Sub-Systems of the Leadership System
    Following are the key sub-systems I recommend every church to utilize to maintain unity and purpose among the core influencers within the church. It’s important to keep in mind that these systems should supplement ‘The Ministry Partner System (Volunteers)’.

    • Ministry DNA System
      Before you can release potential leaders to serve alongside you, it’s critical to affirm that they are ready for a place of increased influence and authority in the church. This is one of the main reasons why many pastors don’t release others into leadership – out of fear that by doing so, the results may one day lead to major conflict. This system will allow the pastoral leadership to evaluate prospective leaders through the lenses of the Four C’s, will provide DNA training about the church’s mission, vision, and values, and will require a commitment from the leaders to support that church mission and the direction of it’s key leaders. This system may also include standards/procedures on what to do if it is no longer appropriate for a current leader to continue in their ministry role. 
    • On-Ramp System
      Leaders won’t naturally glide towards places of influence; they need to be asked and given opportunities. This system will determine when a volunteer is ready to move to the next level of influence in their respective areas of responsibility and how they will be encouraged into that next step. It will also include a means through which he or she can serve as a ministry coach to other volunteers or potential volunteers (apprentices). 
    • Ownership System
      People want something to believe in; they want to make a difference. This is what motivates leaders to get involved and give of themselves extravagantly. Ownership is a key to developing committed leaders. This system will ensure that leaders have a voice in select church strategies and incentives (Note: that ‘voice’ will be based on their level of influence and will apply to their respective areas of involvement). It will also include regular leadership training and ongoing communication about new church strategies and vision adjustments.
    • Support System
      It can be so easy to allow productive and committed leaders to serve for months, even years, in the background with little to no support or encouragement. This system will provide consistent feedback, meaningful resources, and systematic encouragement, with the occasional public recognition thrown in for good measure. It will also provide a clear, easy way for leaders to get the help or assistance they need at any given time, should they need it. Ideally, every leader will have his own ministry coach/mentor who he/she can turn to for advice.
     
    NEXT – ‘Ten Church Systems: The Discipleship System’ . . . Coming Soon

    Note: Inspiration for the Ten Church Systems comes from Nelson Searcy and the Eight Systems of the Local Church he proposed in his free e-book entitled, ‘Healthy Systems, Healthy Church‘.

  • Thursday Quote: Axiom – Language Matters

    Bill Hybels is one of the most respected Christian leaders in this generation. I know I am deeply indebted to his wisdom and insight. I’ve never met him in person, but have received so much from his teachings and books that I can honestly say that he is a mentor in my life.

    He’s written some outstanding books. One of the most meaningful to me was his book, “Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs: “. I don’t know if it was his intent or not, but Axiom is basically a download of Bill’s values. It’s a DNA transfer from him and the organizations he leads to the rest of us. I highly recommend you purchase a copy of this book. Every chapter is only 2-3 pages long, which makes it an easy read, especially if you’re a ‘bathroom reader‘!

    The following quote is from chapter 1 – Language Matters. Awesome.

    If someone had tried to tell me thirty-five years ago that my effectiveness as a leader would often hinge on something as ‘inconsequential’ as word choice, I’d have rolled my eyes and written them off. ‘As long as I can convey an idea in general terms that everyone can understand,’ I would have said, ‘I’ll do just fine.’ And I would have been dead wrong. The truth is, leaders rise and fall by the language they use. Sometimes whole visions live or die on the basis of the words the leader chooses for articulating that vision.

    When you put the right words to a vision or a principle, it becomes axiomatic. It begins to live! It becomes memorable and powerful. It becomes weight bearing, and eventually everyone around you champions it. They defend it with vigor. They give to it and pray for it…. 

    The very best leaders I know wrestle with words until they are able to communicate their big ideas in a way that captures the imagination, catalyzes action, and lifts spirits. They coin creeds and fashion slogans and create rallying cries, all because they understand that language matters….

    Add Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs to your library today!

    Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Reading in December, 2011

     

    If you’ve been following my blog for long, you know that I believe that Leaders are Readers. Harry Truman once said:

    “Not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader.”

    Reading can be challenging to do at times. It can get tedious and boring. It can be hard to find time to do it. If that describes you, then I recommend you check out my post, “Leaders are Readers” where I outline some ‘tips’ to be an effective reader (leader).

       
     
       

    How about you? What book or books are on your reading list for December?

    Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Ten Church Strategies: The Stewardship Strategy

    I’m not sure which is more difficult for pastors to talk about from the pulpit, sex or money. I suspect the latter. Talking about money is personal. It can feel (and be) risky. We can get nervous that our listeners will tell stories in their heads about our real motives. The fear of being misunderstood ends up leading the charge. This is so completely unfortunate. Often, the local church ends up limping along because it lacks necessary resources and God’s people live in bondage because they haven’t learned about biblical stewardship.

    In this installment of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ I will talk about putting money in it’s place both for the church as a whole as well as for individual attendees. If you haven’t already, I recommend you first read my ‘Getting Started Thoughts and Disclaimers’, written in three parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

    Key Sub-Systems of the Stewardship System
    Following are the key sub-systems related to stewardship in the local church. It’s critical to understand that stewardship happens from the top-down. It is through pastoral leadership and their personal example that people truly understand and embrace this aspect of personal discipleship.

    • Church Budget System
      Whether you are operating from a budget of $50,000 or $5,000,000 you need a plan. That’s biblical stewardship 101. This system will include how the church builds and maintains a realistic and effective budget. Budget items should include operational income/expenses, savings, depreciation savings, etc. 
    • Financial Accountability System
      In a society where overspending and debt are the norm, the church needs to be extra careful not just in balancing the budget, but in doing so with integrity. This system will ensure money is collected, handled and managed appropriately. It will include some form of board oversight, occasional audits, as well as clearly defined policies and procedures.
    • Organizational Generosity System
      A critical foundation of biblical stewardship includes the principle of giving. Pastors and church leaders will model this with their own checkbooks as well as with the generosity of the organization as a whole. This system will clarify how much the church gives to the needy, missions, and other meaningful God-inspired initiatives.
    • Bookkeeping System
      Of all the systems in the church, the bookkeeping system should be among the most well defined and managed. This system will tactically manage finances and includes financial software, trained staff, bank accounts, etc.
    • Giving On-Ramp System
      Surprisingly, people often WANT to give, but don’t have easy ways to do so. This system will clarify all methods by which people can give. It may include methods like traditional offering baskets, offering envelopes, giving drop-boxes, and online giving.  
    • Regular Teaching System
      Since nobody openly talks personally about money, everyone assumes that everyone besides them is doing well financially. The general myth says, “I’m drowning in debt, but the people I know and respect aren’t.” This system provides the biblical instruction your congregation and community are desperately craving, but will never admit. It will include annual sermon series, random pulpit messages, as well as regularly offered classes on personal finances and stewardship.
    • Giving Campaigns System
      If people are going to give, they will only do so if it’s for a good cause, something they believe in. This system gives people something to give to and for. It will include all aspects of effective giving campaigns, whether long range or short range. Giving campaigns may focus on missions, building, a needy family, community outreach and more.
     

    Note: Inspiration for the Ten Church Systems comes from Nelson Searcy and the Eight Systems of the Local Church he proposed in his free e-book entitled, ‘Healthy Systems, Healthy Church‘.

    Image compliments of renjith krishnan at freedigitalphotos.net.

  • Top 10 Posts of November 2011

    Here are the Top 10 Posts for November 2011 on Transforming Leader.

    1. Sunday Morning Announcements
    2. Demystifying Our Plans
    3. Critical Thinking in a Nutshell
    4. Leaders are Readers
    5. Tactical Tip: Internet Passwords
    6. Are You Praying?
    7. Time Management 101 – The Weekly Schedule
    8. Tactical Tip: Moving to Eye Level
    9. Tactical Tip: Saying Thank You Systematically
    10. The Big Road Block

    I read the post that ranked #6 this month, “Are You Praying?” again today. The passage I quoted there, Colossians 4:2-4, is a great reminder to us to continue to submit our plans to the Lord every day. I pray this Christmas season God does, in fact, open a door for the message and mystery of Christ to reach the people in your community!

    “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”  Colossians 4:2-4

    Image from seruvenci on istockphoto.com