For instance, numbers tell you something about the health of your church in many areas. Let’s say your church values community for spiritual formation through home small groups. If you begin seeing decreasing numbers of people attending those groups, then the numbers may point to the fact that people are not experiencing spiritual growth in that context. However, at the same time, increasing numbers may not point to spiritual formation. Only more focused analysis could answer that question.

Numbers point us in the right direction for more analysis to change, tweak or create new strategies. And yes, some people arrogantly point to numbers to help their self-esteem. But, that does not make all numbers bad.

So, really analyze the numbers in your ministry context. Seek more information where needed. Improve or change strategies where needed. But, don’t ignore the number – they really matter.

One of the challenges ministries are facing today is the rapid pace in which the culture of ministry is changing. We’ve noticed that lots of things are changing – some driven by the economy and some driven by a greater desire for stewardship. One area that I see the ministry equation changing is in the area of staffing. In the past, we worked with this equation:

Current Expectations + Added Staff = Greater Output

Churches often believed that new staff had to be added to achieve greater output. But today, churches are facing budget crunches that are forcing new thoughts that affect staffing. The equation today looks more like this:

Increased Expectations = Greater Volunteer Involvement + Possible Staff Hires

In our ministry context, we committed not to hire any new staff members in 2011, but to develop the staff that we have into greater leaders. As we look at hiring in the future, we will likely evaluate the level of volunteer involvement and how an added staff position will increase ministry expectations – instead of just adding staff believing that expectations and output will increase.

What are other equations in ministry that you see changing in the 21st Century?

Now, let’s state the obvious: everyone is busy. Everyone has a little more on their plate than they should.

So, what do we do about the problem? I’d like to propose some answers.

• Everyone wants to talk to the most successful people. Obviously, their are some people who may be too busy to field a phone call. Instead of asking others to read your blog or just not responding, how about providing a list of others who have seen great success in their roles and may be more helpful because they are more like the ministry or person seeking advice? It takes time, but it is helpful in the Kingdom. Churches really are in desperate need for help. Instead of, “Just read my blog,” lets say, “Can I introduce you to….”

• Make your minimum response a list of resources. Everyone has resources that they have used, books that they have read or conferences they have attended that have helped them. Why not take a few minutes, compile that information, and have it available to send out. Instead of, “Just read my blog,” lets say, “Let me send you a list of resources that were helpful to me.”

• Do your best to respond to all messages. At this point, I will give anyone a 30-minute phone call. I prefer that over answering questions via email. After the initial call, I normally send a follow-up email with resources or point the person in a different direction that will be more helpful. Even one of the busiest guys, Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson, has replied to every email I have sent to him. Thanks Michael. Instead of replying, “Just read my blog,” lets say, “I can give you __-minutes on the phone.”

Church leaders need more help today than ever before. If God has blessed you with the ability to help, lend a personal hand. Touch the people who reach out to you. It will make a difference in their lives and in His Kingdom.

There’s a lot of talk today about discipleship or helping people grow to look like Jesus. Last week I was reading in Proverbs and came across this verse

There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filth. Proverbs 30:12 (HCSB)

My mind began to race – Are we people of a garbage faith? It seems that more and more the argument is centered around MY perspective and MY beliefs instead of a simple analysis of God’s Word and what He says about our life. Just reading the New Testament clears up so many things about what a true Christ-follower should look like.

But it feels like we are becoming a generation that is “pure in its own eyes.” It feels like we are deciding that parts of Scripture are no longer applicable. It feels like we are pulling a “Thomas Jefferson” and cutting the Bible in pieces to fit our life and perspective. We are all guilty in some area.

So, instead of talking about what we believe it means to be pure, would you join me in a pursuit of what the New Testament says about purity and Christlikeness?

So, I made an “I would never…” list. Here you go:

• I would never…hire against evaluation tools or the counsel of those I trust. So often I have second guessed the tools or those around me, and that has NEVER worked out. Have a process for evaluating and hiring staff and commit to stick to it!

• I would never…build a church building solely based on an architects opinion. I have nothing against architects, but not all architects understand the complexities of a church. Hallways, stairwells, restrooms, parking lots, etc that are built to code will haunt you in the future. Enlist someone who has led a growing church or built growing churches before you build that designed building.

• I would never…completely trust the references. Unless you know the reference personally, feel sure that you may not be getting the whole truth. In ministry where so many people dislike each other privately but everyone says that each other is great publicly, references are almost worthless.

• I would never…ask for everyone’s opinion in regard to websites, advertising, logos, sermon graphics, etc. In these things (and many others), you will get as many opinions as people you ask. Enlist a small, diverse group for feedback and then make a decision. You save a lot of time and have less frustrated people.

• I would never…say “no” for a potential staff hire or volunteer. Several of our latest staff hires would have been people that I dismissed as “there’s no way that God could really do this.” AND. HE. DID. Every day volunteers and critical staff are missed because no one asked them. Give them the chance to say no and if they do, don’t quit asking when God prompts.

• I would never…work somewhere that I did not want to live the vision or serve the Senior Pastor. If the vision does not keep you up at night or get you out of bed in the morning, leave. And, if you cannot be a servant to the Senior Pastor (or other staff), it’s probably not the place for you.

So, you get the point. Now, what would you add to my “I would never…” list?

As the lecture was happening, we talked about “the trust filter.” Every time there is a situation that requires trust, we process it through our “trust filter.” From my perspective, there are three basic things in that filter that impact whether we will trust the person or not. Think about these:

• Past experiences. Every time we have to trust someone, we consider our past experiences with them. Were they truthful and did they deliver what they said they would when they said they would? We subconsciously ask ourselves, “What was my past experience like when I worked with them?”

• Current realities. As we process trust, our current realities become a part of the filter. For instance, if a project has a significant impact on my job situation or the organization, I want to work with people that are trusted at the highest level. However, if the project is somewhat insignificant, my desire for trusted individuals may matter less. You current reality affects the level of trust you need from those you are working with.

• Future plans. Bottom line: if my future plans may be impacted by a person and I do not trust them, I will be less likely to work with them. So, we may both be working for the same promotion. If that is the case, my future plans will be impact my trust levels for others.

These are basic thoughts and are not complete, but I think we can see how they affect our trust in certain situations. As you lead, what other things are a part of your trust filter?

Zoar Baptist Church

So, here are some of the things that hit me today that my kiddos will never know as a part of the church that I knew:

• They will never hear an offertory song (lucky dogs)
• They will never attend church training, youth choir or Sunday night church
• They will likely never attend a business meeting, much less a monthly one
• They will never vote on a budget
• They will never attend “dinner on the grounds”
• They will never hear about “the” deacons meeting (we do not have deacons or their meetings)
• They will never tithe with a check
• They will never sing from a Hymnal
• They will never wonder why the pastors sit in special chairs on the stage
• They will never know a time without multiple worship services
• They will never see a choir robe
• They will think that Saturday night is a “normal” church service time

My kiddos attend a church that I always dreamed of but never thought I would be a part of. I’m not knocking any church – some are just very different than the church my kids attend.

What are the differences that you remember about church you grew up in and the church you attend today?

Last night as I talked with my father-in-law about so many things happening around the world, I was reminded of another “plot” that has morphed more and more into nothingness, even though it is the absolute core of the hope for our world.  The phrase that hit me:

Change the church, change the world.

Only through the Church (God’s people collectively) will the world ever be changed. Unfortunately, in so many expressions, the church has become an irrelevant entity that has little meaning instead of the growing, vibrant Bride of Christ that impacts the world for eternity.

I want to be (NO, I am) a part of a church that changes the world. I want you to be a part of a church that changes the world. How can I pray for your church?

Their church, Graystone, is poised to make a huge impact on the community of Grayson in 5 weeks. On November 8th, they move out of the warehouse that they leased 5 years ago and enter their permanent residence – a new, 25,000 square foot facility.

Would you join me in praying for a few things to happen at Graystone?

• Pray that the last $120,000 needed to finish the project is given by October 25th.
• Pray that those attending become courageous inviters of their friends.
• Pray for volunteers to step up and serve to meet the needs at the new campus.
• Pray for peace for their staff in some crazy times between now and then.

And, if you know are the person that has the $120,000, I’m sure they’ll take it (will you let them know that I sent you)!

Would you write a prayer in the comment section and I will forward them on to Graystone?

That reminded me of the need for someone in my life to throw penalty flags. There are places within me that need outside eyes, and there are guys in my life who can throw the flag when they see something out of line.

If you do not have someone looking at your life and evaluating your walk with Christ, you are on a dangerous path. Lack of accountability will ultimately destroy you. It will keep you from finishing the race. It can cost you ministry, your family, or both. Remember,

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

Who throws the penalty flags in your life? You may not like it, but in the end it will make you better.