What an awesome book! Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and author of "7 Practices of Effective Ministry" shares in his book that there are seven practices that must be carried out in order for a church to be more strategic in everything it does.
Andy says, "The seven practices are just that--practices! These are not new program ideas. You don't have to be in church work long to discover that there are no one-size-fits-all programs. Ministry is more art than science, and our ever-changing culture makes it necessary to constantly evaluate, launch, and occasionally even kill programming." When implemented properly, these practices will energize every facet of your ministry. Below I will share with you the seven practices of effective ministry:
1) Clarify the Win. It is impossible to know if you are making progress if you are not clear about your destination. This means examining each and every event and program and asking the question, "When all is said and done, what is it we want to look back on and celebrate?"
2) Think Steps, Not Programs. Your programs should take people somewhere, not simply fill up their time. Ask yourself, "Where do we want our people to be? What do we want them to become? Is our programming designed to take them there?"
3) Narrow the Focus. Focus is the key to achieving excellence and making an impact. Each ministry environment should be designed to do no more than one or two things.
4) Teach Less for More. The less you say, the more you will communicate. You will be more effective at every level of your organization if you say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it.
5) Listen to Outsiders. The needs and interests of insiders have a tendency to determine the agenda for the organization. This is especially true of the church. Focus your efforts on those you are trying to reach, rather on those you are trying to keep.
6) Replace Yourself. One day someone else will be doing what you are doing. Whether you have an exit strategy of not, ultimately, you will exit. So embrace the inevitable and prepare now for the future.
7) Work On It. To maintain your relevance, your sanity, and your effectiveness, you must carve out time in your schedule to step back and evaluate what you are doing and how you are doing it.
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