September 2009
Men’s Ministry Best Practices: Developing Your Mission
Avoiding Common Failures
“A Problem well stated is a problem half-solved” –Charles Kettering
He sounded desperate to find a solution to the chaos permeating his men’s ministry. “My guys seemed apathetic and stressed. What we started a year ago seems to be pulling apart at the seams, and I don’t know if we’re going to make it.” Listening to his angst was almost like watching an old Star Trek episode where Scotty anxiously tells Captain Kirk: “I can’t keep her together any longer. She’s going to come apart!”
It became apparent in our coaching session that this fast-growing men’s ministry had developed too many moving parts to run without clear direction, structure, aligned events and activities, and delegation. It’s a common story. In short…it needed to be ‘professionalized,’ by developing a clear sense of operational mission, vision, organizational structure, and operational plan. They needed a clear mission from which to operate their ministry.
- What’s the idea? An Operational Mission (OM) succinctly captures God’s desire for your men’s ministry, why it exists, and the major goals to which God has called you.
- How important is it? It’s critical to your success. It becomes the parameters within which you say “yes” to something or “No” to something in ministry.
- How do I do it? First, find a godly counsel of men (businessmen are used to this kind of thing) to help you. Research the internet for ideas-other churches and men’s ministries-any group that is doing similar things to what you’re intending to do.
- What’s it look like? Think ‘business card.’ Keep the goals in the OM succinct (one sentence), measurable, actionable, and motivational. Use additional statements for drilling down into what the mission means.
If you get to a place where you need help with developing an operational mission, give us a call and let’s talk about how we can help you build a vibrant and sustainable men’s ministry (208-762-9216) or learn more about our FREE 45 day "Quick Start" program. Contact us today!
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