Here we go. The final squeeze of juice from my OC notes.

From the pad of Reggie Joiner. Thoughts to share with anyone involved in kids or youth ministry.

1. Never think you’re an expert. Remain teachable.
2. It’s not about the product but the process. If you’re not changing something, it’s a problem. We have a moment in time where God has allowed us to be part of this. Don’t waste it!
3. Keep fighting for the family. Especially your own. The temptation is to give more to the ministry outside of your home rather than within. Don’t give up the fight!
4. Never lose your faith.
5. Have someone that reminds you that what you do is important.
6. In the moments you are most discouraged are the times God may be most pleased.

This one’s for you, Michelle!

I had the privelage of learning from Nancy Ortberg on the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team. Too much to write. My pen was flying across the page. Though I’d read the book before, she brought insight that reshaped the way I look at how I lead.  Here is a taste…

Trust is the most fundamental function of a successful team. You cannot have trust without character and competency. You build trust when your team understands your weaknesses and your vulnerabilities.

Walk into your next meeting with the following 5 phrases.

1. I was wrong
2. I’m sorry
3. I made a mistake
4. I dropped the ball
5. I don’t know. What do you think?

The fastest way to build trust within a team is to admit your own weaknesses.

…what would I expect if I walked into a church building today?” Francis Chan.

Acts 2: 42 – 47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Anyone can love their neighbor. Who can love their neighbor as yourself?

One drip at a time…

“If all I know is the church of the bible, what would I expect if I walked into a church building today?” Francis Chan, Orange Conference 2007.

I had the opportunity to attend the Orange Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this week. What a rush! Still processing. But here are some nuggets I’m chewin’ on right now.

From the mouth of Reggie Joiner:

• In ministry, we think as long as everybody is happy we are successful
  
• We tend to build ministry around our own preferences
• Sometimes we convince ourselves that what we’re doing is working

So here’s the question to ask ourselves…

Are we making it easier or harder for people to turn to God?

Whew! That one hit me like a ton of bricks. Is what I’m doing making it easier or harder for the kids in my ministry to turn to God? … for the parents to turn to God? … for the volunteers to turn to God?

This question redefines the success of ministry.

more to come…