it’s a novel thought, i know… real “out of the box” right? I’m proud of it, thought it up all by myself… you can thank me later. No seriously peep’s, if you’re the leader of a ministry, or in ministry, or are thinking about ministry, participate in ministry, lead anything in and for the Kingdom… then you must, I implore you, spend time with those you lead with. If you don’t… well let’s just say bad things can and may just happen. What could happen? Below is a list, how convenient!…… Ps – for the sake of this post we’ll use the words “ministry” and “team” interchangeably.
1. A ministry that (seemingly) rises and falls on the leader… will more than likely at some point fall because of that leader
2. If the leader of a team doesn’t truly value the members of the team, then that team will see it’s members and participants come and go on a regular basis. The team will be attractive on the front end, but beyond that there isn’t much there.
3. Team members and co-ministers need to be empowered; empowerment = ownership = co-laboring for Christ and His kingdom
4. Team members need value; if you don’t build into your team how can you expect them to build into others? (it’s possible you know, i’ve seen it happen)
5. Humility as a leader should be part of the center of all you do and who you are; the ministry leader who thinks he/she is all that well, usually… isn’t. (ouch)
This is just a short list and is intentional in that regard. I didn’t want to spend 5 minutes tearing us all down… I wanted to write this so you might read it so you can get to this part:
I came to NorthRidge what seems like yesterday but in fact was almost 3 years ago. In the time that I’ve been here I have had the amazing opportunity to learn some pretty valuable lessons when it comes to ministry, the Kingdom, and leadership. One thing I’ve learned is the truth that time spent with those serving alongside you doing ministry is not the same as time spent with those serving alongside you away from the ministry. Both are important, both impact the Kingdom. I’ve found as a person in leadership my primary role is not that of a “doer” but rather an equip-er, a catalyst, a mentor. I can advertise auditions, find artists, put together bands, plan amazingly deep times of corporate worship, craft a clever announcement video or series promo piece; but if I don’t spend time pouring into those on my team… holding them accountable, praying with them, learning with them, teaching them, engaging them; then what am I doing beyond…well…doing? I’m not going to tell you how you should be leading your team, because I don’t want to say that this is the only way a good team works, but I can tell you this: an artist who plays in one of your bands that doesn’t get a heart-felt thank you on a regular basis will only stick around until things get boring for them, then they’re gone. A team member who isn’t held accountable by the team and its leadership will usually get to the point of burnout and/or moral failure much more quickly than someone who truly is part of a team that cares for one another.
Bottom line: spend time with those you do ministry with. Buy them coffee, go to movies, write with them, pray with them (not just before going on stage), go TO them. From personal experience I can tell you that my team of artists are better because of it, I’m a better friend and a better leader because of it, and our ministry is more effective because of it.
