DBMIM November 15, 2008IN THIS ISSUE--
-- Login Leadership: Finding Volunteers,by Tom Hanover. -- In the Huddle: Discipleship through Intentional Community: David: A Man after God’s Own Heart Who Won the Hearts of Men, by Tim Burns. -- Will Your Church Be The Next Headline? Part I & II, by Chad Pollard. FREE RESOURCE GUIDE Looking for something, but not sure where to find it? DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion has produced a 50-page Resource Guide that just might have what you need. And it's FREE! You need adobe acrobat reader (also free) to read the document. Check it out at: http://www.ministryinmotion.net/christian_ministry_resource_guid.html Login Leadership: Finding Volunteers by Tom Hanover hanover@dbmim.net
“I can’t find any new volunteers. Everyone is so busy, and I’m starting to burn out the volunteers I have.” Finding and keeping volunteers is a tough challenge. Regardless of whether you are recruiting for children’s ministries or senior adults, administrative committees or mission work camps; the pool of volunteers is less than what it used to be. Dr. Gil Rendle, formerly of the Alban Institute and currently with the Methodist Foundation, talks about the “margin of life.” The amount of time individuals have to give to outside interests has dwindled over the years. For example, in the late fifties and early sixties most families had one wage earner. The other adult – usually the wife and mother – stayed home to raise the children. She had significantly more time to volunteer at the church, especially if the activity involved the children. As a child growing up in that period, we had a few opportunities for involvement in outside activities. We chose among 4H, Scouting, church, and maybe one sport. Most sports were not available until children reached junior high age. Today most families – if there are two parents – are surviving with two wage earners and many adults are working part-time jobs on top of that. Additional jobs are necessary to cover health care costs, mortgages, or to save toward college. In addition, many young children are participating in year-round sports like soccer, basketball, hockey, and baseball. Moreover, there are other opportunities. My grandchildren participate in karate, dance, and music lessons of various sorts. Parents – and grandparents raising children – have less time to donate time to various interests such as the church. It is harder to find and keep volunteers. The margin of life is slimmer in the 21st century than before. Making the situation even more serious is the fact that more and more charitable and ministry organizations are turning to volunteers to take up the slack from smaller staffs reduced in size due to financial limitations. The current economic turbulence and uncertainty will stress many churches and other ministries as they discover their financial resources are more restricted, if not shrinking. A third complicating component is that volunteers who do donate time and energy will be increasingly stressed by life’s challenges. Their attention may find be distracted or their availability more irregular. All of this sounds pretty dismal, does it not? But it need not become overwhelming. Here are some hopeful options. First, crisis always brings a gift. It is the gift of focus. When the faithful of the church discover the building is on fire, they rarely argue about the color of the paint in the women’s bathroom. The crisis forces people to focus on what is really important. Leaders can use the crisis of financial uncertainties and the growing changes in 21st century lifestyles to help our ministries focus on what is really important. If the margin of life is diminished from previous eras, then what are the truly important ministries we should resource first? Secondly, the opportunity for volunteer participation in ministry may well be the answer to the growing stress and strain of 21st century living. Victor Frankl documented his observations while interred in a World War II Nazi concentration camp. Generally, those that survived had a greater purpose and mission in life beyond mere survival. Few of us today face the hardship and trauma of a Nazi concentration camp. Engagement in mission and ministry that connects us to larger purpose beyond ourselves is a key to mental and spiritual health. Thirdly, leaders need to give significant attention to the care and nurture of volunteers, especially the volunteers that work closely with them. Ministry is all about relationship. Even in large ministry settings involving lots of people, ministry still means fostering healthy and purposeful relationships. Volunteers are usually attracted to ministry opportunities because of the possibilities of value-giving relationships. One source of those relationships is the leaders and peers with whom the volunteer will work. A leader who is attentive to the quality and support of those relationships will nurture a higher degree of commitment and loyalty to the cause. A ministry leader who is a pastor understands the importance of offering pastoral care wherever there is need. And yet, special attentiveness to those who are engaging in ministry is part of leadership development. Jesus gave special attention to the 12 disciples, even when there were crowds who wanted his pastoral care. Within the 12, he gave special attention to Peter, James, and John. Was this because he was playing favorites? Or is it because he was paying attention to the potential opportunities for developing leadership capacity? Volunteers will respond to experiences that will add value to their lives. Quality time with a leader who is sharing leadership insight and experiences can motivate many people. Effective ministry leaders quickly learn what motivates volunteers. Some are motivated by public recognition. Others are motivated by the challenge of a task. Still others are stirred by the association with other people they respect. Other volunteers are looking to develop new skills or encounter new experiences. Everyone appreciates being appreciated. Misapplying the wrong motivation at the wrong time will wear volunteers out, if not actually offend them. How does a leader know this? The leader watches for signals as the leader builds relationship with the volunteer. What stories excite and energize the volunteer? What concerns frustrate the volunteer? What can the leader observe about the volunteer when they are performing at a high level? Not everyone responds to the same pace or purpose. Some prefer to launch new projects while others are more comfortable managing an already existing program. Some want to engage quickly with a specifically defined exit strategy while others prefer an opportunity to build relationship and involvement. Some respond well to a sense of crisis while others lead best in periods of incremental change and growth. The effective ministry leader will work to position volunteers where they will shine. A volunteer who works out of their strengths will perform more effectively and enjoy service more fully than if stuck in areas where he/she is ill-equipped and uncomfortable. The purpose of developing a cadre of nurtured and energetic volunteers is more than simply accomplishing trivial tasks. The purpose is to develop the spiritual capacity of potential leaders. In the next issue I’ll discuss the elements of developing leadership in volunteers. --- Tom Hanover is Advertising and Promo Director of MIM ezine. He has served in a variety of pastoral leadership roles for more than 30 years, including seven as a District Superintendent supervising the ministries of more than 100 pastors and churches in southern Ohio. He is currently Senior Pastor of Sulphur Grove UMC, a multisite ministry in Dayton. He has a BA (cum laude) from Taylor University, and the MDIV and DMIN degrees from United Theological Seminary in Dayton. You can contact Tom at hanover@dbmim.net.
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In the Huddle: Discipleship through Intentional Community David: A Man after God’s Own Heart Who Won the Hearts of Men By Tim Burns
Gleaning lessons from King David’s life seemingly has no end. From the heights of unashamed worship, to a fugitive on the backside of the desert, David walked with God. His legacy is admirable -- called, chosen and faithful until he went to join his King. Yet, beyond these accomplishments, it was between Samuel’s anointing and his years on the throne that David learned how to follow, and how to lead. Central to this skill is the ability to make disciples. One cannot lead if he is alone. Leadership exists only if people follow you. The process of discipling others in the faith is essentially leading them from their current level of devotion to deeper, more engaged Christian living. A new believer moves from old habits from his pre-Christian days into a more active relationship with Christ and his church. A person who has walked with Christ for years may learn to overcome deeply rooted life issues, moving into freedom from a loving encounter with God. A mature believer may acquire the confidence to step out of the church pew into active ministry. The process of building disciples is the process of moving the dial. If we were talking about a thermometer, it does not matter what the temperature is today. The gauge can rise. In David’s life, evidence of his disciple building among his men is most apparent in a small event tucked in away in the book of 2 Samuel 23. The lion’s share of this chapter recounts David’s mighty men and their deeds. Verses 13-17 open a window of the relationship between David and his mightiest warriors. Israel was at war with the Philistines, and in the midst of a successful campaign. David made the comment that he was thirsty. David said: “Oh that one would give me a drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate.” (v.15, KJV) Bethlehem was David’s home town. Having grown up there, he likely refreshed himself often at this well. His words were less of a command, and more of a longing for a simpler time, his memories of the town, and an acknowledgement of his thirst. In response, three of his mightiest men broke off from the party, and went to the well, behind the Philistine lines. When presented with the gift, David poured it out on the ground. He would have none of it. David’s response was: “Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Is this not the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?” (v.17, KJV) What does this vignette show about David, his mightiest men, and the discipling relationship that had created the love between them that would lead them to risk their lives for a flask full of water? These men risked their lives to give their leader a drink. His response was to honor them, and by refusing the drink, show them that their safety was much more important than his passing thirst. Looking Back: David assembled his army, (from which arose his mighty men) during the years he ran from Saul. David was joined by castaways and mercenaries as he hid on the backside of the wilderness. During this time, these men learned to rely on each other, and their safety, their lives were often in the hands of the other. They walked together in everyday events, ups, downs, ins and outs. They were a community, formed somewhat by fate, somewhat by forces outside of their control, but an intentional community none the less. David protected them, provided for them, and eventually settled the city of Ziklag with these men before ascending to the Israel’s throne. He earned their respect - not as an aloof teacher or distant monarch. They drew swords together, back to back in the desert sun. At night they slept under the stars, thankful to be alive. They watched their children grow, and built small houses in Ziklag after David married Abigail. In short, prior to this event in 2 Samuel 23, they did life together. Their mutual respect, desire, commitment, and devotion grew out of a shared life. Back to our Text: In between the times these men congealed as a ragtag army for their own protection, and the battle described in 2 Samuel, 30 or more years have passed. David is still at the battlefront, leading his men. He was called as a child. He was chosen by the people at 40 yrs of age. Over three decades later, he still demonstrates faithfulness to his call. His lifestyle inspires those around him to self sacrifice, service, and a daring raid behind enemy lines, just to get their king a glass of water. We see this kind of devotion throughout the New Testament among the early church. In every place the gospel was preached, the church drew attention and affected their communities because of the lifestyle they lived in addition to the message they preached. They shared their lives. They gave of themselves. And the world sat up, and took notice. The Point: Leading others into spiritual maturity doesn’t happen from the pulpit, podium, or pod cast. Spiritual maturity in those you lead will develop as you do life together. This requires slowing down to be transparent as a leader, and allowing those you disciple to catch the vision in their own hearts and lives. The Gauge: How often do you intentionally spend time with other believers deliberately pursuing Christian growth? The Next Step: Consider those in your sphere of influence. Pray over your list of close friends who share your faith. Make an appointment with one or two, and ask them if they would like to read a book together with you, meet for coffee on a regular basis, and pursue spiritual growth with you. --- Timothy Burns lives in West Michigan, and has written professionally for six years. Timothy’s writing reflects a deep connection to cultural influences, Christ centered living, and how often unwritten patterns can influence our behaviors and beliefs, because while people differ by continent and decade, human nature does not. The ability to identify the human element or organizational culture sets Timothy’s work apart from what can be otherwise commonplace copy. His writing spans topics of Christian living, apologetics, and the hidden benefits that often surface through personal trials. You can find Mr. Burns via email, his blogs or web site. Tim.burns@inkwellcommunication.com
Will Your Church Be The Next Headline? Part I by Chad Pollard
Though hundreds of new churches are being planted each year, the doors of existing churches are closing at an alarming rate. The most prevalent factor involved in this phenomenon seems to be the fact that churches may be dying because of their inability to reach younger generations. This article suggests seven practical principles for reaching the younger generations within your community: (1) be intentional about reaching them, (2) learn their needs and address them, (3) offer a worship format that targets them, (4) establish friendships with them and invite them, (5) get feedback from them, (6) bring them into leadership, and (7) pray with them and for them. Convincing rationale, practical suggestions, and specific examples are given to encourage pastors and church leaders to be intentional about reaching younger generations. Seven Principles for Reaching Younger Generations Headlines in a recent issue of our county newspaper read, “[Community’s] oldest church to close its doors.” The half-page article proceeded to describe the history of the 123-year old church and the circumstances behind its closing. The church, now down to two members, could no longer afford to keep its doors open. This scenario is representative of a growing trend in America. Though hundreds of new churches are being planted each year, the doors of existing churches are closing at an alarming rate – church growth expert Charles Arn has suggested 3,500 to 4,000 annually (Malphurs, 1998, p. 35). While there could be several factors involved in this phenomenon, the most prevalent seems to be the fact that churches may be dying because of their inability to reach younger generations. One study shows that the age of the average worshiper in the United States is fifty-two[i] (www.usacongregations.org), but the average age of our population is thirty-five (www.census.gov). How then can an aging church reach the younger segment of the population in their community – sometimes called Generations X and Y? Having recently read Bob Whitesel and Kent Hunter’s book A House Divided: Bridging the Generation Gaps in Your Church, this question has continued to swirl in my mind. Therefore, let me suggest seven principles for reaching these younger generations. Be Intentional About Reaching Them Often aging churches lack a clear vision for reaching the younger people in their community. In order to properly fulfill the Great Commission, a church must be intentional about reaching all generations within its community. In a church lacking of younger generations, it is vitally important that the existing members have both a desire and a vision for reaching them. Many times, this vision will begin with the pastor as he spends time in prayer and God’s Word, but in order to effectively minister to the younger generations, the vision must spread to the church leadership and then to the congregation as a whole. There must be a unified, prayerful, and intentional effort on the part of everyone involved. Learn Their Needs and Address Them Do you really understand the needs that exist in your community? In order for a church to reach the younger generations, they must develop an understanding of their needs and find culturally relevant ways to address them. This can be done in a variety of ways. Simply reading community publications, such as newspapers, can provide a wealth of information. General information can be gathered by studying demographic information, which is available from both free and paid services. After recently reviewing demographic information for our community, I was surprised to find that Generations X and Y made up 43% of our small rural community! You might be surprised at what you will find. While this general information regarding the younger generations in your community can be a valuable resource, determining their “felt needs” may require additional methods such as utilizing focus groups, telephone surveys, informal interviews, written surveys, or other similar means. Your church leadership must then sift through this information, seek God’s guidance, and develop a strategy to implement new ministries in an effort to reach these generations. Gary McIntosh says, “Churches that effectively reach and win unchurched Busters [Generation X] almost always do so by starting something new rather than modifying an existing program or ministry” (2002, p. 152). Offer a Worship Format That Targets Them Worship has been one of the most controversial issues within the church. Generational preferences and differences have often driven this controversy. Worship is ultimately God-centered. However, worshippers can best express their worship to God in ways that are culturally or generationally relevant. Bob Whitesel and Kent Hunter state that “different generations worship in different ways, due to familiarity and personal taste” (2006, p 169). With this in mind, I am not suggesting that a church change an existing worship service. Offering a worship expression that targets younger generations may require beginning a new worship service. Aging churches are often small churches which can seem to be a potential barrier in this effort. However, Charles Arn suggests that a church with at least fifty people in attendance can begin a new service[1] (1997, p. 18). When the option of beginning a new worship service is unfeasible, a church could offer a different style of worship in a pre-service or post-service format. In this way, worship elements that would appeal to younger generations could be implemented, but would be optional for those who preferred the existing worship style. Whatever the strategy, your church must prayerfully consider offering a worship format that targets the younger generations, and at the same time does not isolate your existing members. Chad Pollard is on staff at the Church of God (Holiness) in El Dorado Springs, Missouri where he has served for over two years as the Director of Ministries and is a graduate ministry student at Indiana Wesleyan University. He has a passion for connecting people to the body of Christ through small groups, seeing dying churches come back to life and health, and seeing God's Kingdom move forward through new church plants. He is currently developing a church planting strategy for his denomination. --- Will Your Church Be The Next Headline? Part II by Chad Pollard
In this MIM issue Chad Pollard continues his discussion of principles for reaching younger generations for Christ. Whatever the strategy, your church must prayerfully consider offering a worship format that targets the younger generations, and at the same time does not isolate your existing members Establish Friendships With and Invite Younger People to Worship Because we attract people with whom we have a lot in common, members of aging churches often do not have a network of relationships among the younger generations. If a church has any hopes of reaching younger generations, the members must be intentional about establishing relationships with them. As a practical exercise, encourage church members to make a list of all their younger or unchurched friends and acquaintances. After compiling this list, have them prayerfully and specifically target one or two younger individuals with whom they can better build a relationship. Building these relationships makes it much easier to invite them to a worship service or another ministry of your church. Studies conducted by Whitesel and Hunter have shown that as many as 8 out of 10 people join a church as a result of a personal invitation from a friend or family member Personal invitations are the best way to connect younger generations to your church. Get Feedback from Them Many times pastors and church leaders don’t like to get feedback because they are afraid of what it might reveal, but it is essential if a church is going to effectively reach younger generations. Evaluation should be a vehicle through which churches can obtain valuable information from both members and guests. If you are embarking upon a new vision and strategy to reach younger generations, their feedback regarding your success or failure in reaching them will help you make appropriate adjustments as you continue to move forward. Feedback can be obtained formally through written evaluations of worship services and ministries, and it can be obtained informally through conversations with existing members, guests, and community residents. Whitesel suggests asking questions such as (1) “What can we as a church do better?” (2) “What are the needs of people your age that we should address?” and (3) “Could you tell me some improvements that we could make at (church name)?” Through both formal and informal means, it will be important to allow a forum for feedback from the younger generations you are attempting to reach. Bring Them into Leadership Many times the prevailing thought among leaders in an aging church is that the younger generations are “the church of tomorrow.” This mindset will hinder a church’s ability to experience growth among a younger demographic. Younger leaders are needed in the church to provide energy, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas to reach their own generation. Whitesel and Hunter suggest that committees and leadership teams should reflect the generational ratios of the community, or at the very least, your congregation. When combined with the experience and wisdom of older leaders within the church, this multi-generational leadership structure can be springboard for reaching the younger generations within your community. Another option is for a church to hire a young pastor when an opening becomes available. The reasoning is simple: younger pastors tend to attract younger people. The pastor and church leadership working together, could then formulate a strategy for reaching them. Pray for Them and With Them It has often been said, “Save the best for last.” It can not be overstated how important prayer is to your success in reaching younger generations. Church leaders should not make decisions based upon the latest fad or newest strategy. Instead, they should sift through all of the information and diligently seek the direction of the Holy Spirit through prayer. Every step of the way should be bathed in prayer. Churches hoping to reach the younger generations should spend a considerable amount of time praying for them and with them. Prayer should focus equally on the needs of the churched as well as the needs of the unchurched. Whitesel calls this 50/50 prayer. Pray that God (1) would open doors of opportunity to reach the younger generations with the gospel, (2) would give your church members a vision for reaching them, and (3) would give your church leadership direction in developing a specific strategy to reach them. In addition to praying for them, develop multi-generational prayer opportunities within your church such as prayer triplets, prayer chains, prayer partners, neighborhood prayer groups, or concerts of prayer. Whatever the method, prayer will be the most important component in your ability to reach and effectively minister to younger generations. If you find yourself leading or attending an aging congregation, there is hope for the future of your church! But it will take an intentional approach that is inclusive of multiple generations. Your church doesn’t have to be another headline! Questions to Consider: Ø Which of these principles can we implement immediately? When and how will we implement this principle? Ø Is our church willing to bring young people into leadership, knowing that they will have new methods and ideas that may make us uncomfortable at times? Ø Can you identify the three major needs of the people within your community? How will you intentionally address those needs? References Arn, C. (1997). How to start a new service: your church can reach new people. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books Malpurs, A. (1998). Planting growing churches in the 21st century. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books McIntosh, G. (2002).One church four generations: understanding and reaching all ages in your church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. Whitesel, B. (2004). Growth by accident, death by planning: how not to kill a growing congregation. Nashville: Abingdon Press. Whitesel, B. & Hunter, K. (2000). A house divided: bridging the generation gaps in your church. Nashville: Abingdon Press. U.S. Census Bureau. (2000). “Profiles of General Demographic Characteristics.” http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/dp1/2kh00.pdf . Retrieved March 15, 2008 “Young Congregations” (2001). http://www.uscongregations.org/10strengths- youngcongregations.htm. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
Chad Pollard is on staff at the Church of God (Holiness) in El Dorado Springs, Missouri where he has served for over two years as the Director of Ministries and is a graduate ministry student at Indiana Wesleyan University. He has a passion for connecting people to the body of Christ through small groups, seeing dying churches come back to life and health, and seeing God's Kingdom move forward through new church plants. He is currently developing a church planting strategy for his denomination. [i] According to their website, “The U.S. Congregational Life Survey is the largest and most representative profile of worshipers and their congregations ever developed in the United States.” FREE RESOURCE GUIDE Looking for something, but not sure where to find it? DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion has produced a 50-page Resource Guide that just might have what you need. And it's FREE! You need adobe acrobat reader (also free) to read the document. Check it out at: http://www.ministryinmotion.net/christian_ministry_resource_guid.html Are You Wanting to Create Your Own Website? Site Build It -- There are many different hosting plans for those wanting Christian websites but few work with you to drive traffic to your site. SBI differs from these because it is an all-in-one do-it-yourself website program that doesn’t require html knowledge. Includes domain registration, hosting, keyword research tools, search engine optimization, ezine mailing, and non-interactive blog option. The system guarantees success in getting good ranking with search engines thereby assuring you of more traffic. This website system is used by DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion. Site Build It Quick Tour Looking for ministry resources to help you in ministry? Be sure to visit Ministry in Motion's Bookshop. Every resource is developed from hands-on church experience. Help members discover their spiritual gifts, how to connect them in ministry and more. Visit MIM's Bookshop.
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