Thanks to this book for the post title, but ministry really can be this sorta beautiful mess.
People are not always fun to deal with. Sometimes they seem to cause more frustration and problems than anything else.
We have this internal pressure and perceived (yet sometimes true) peer pressure to make progress and look really good with numbers, stats, marketing schemes, and sweet new events.
And just to pile more on top of all of that, we really just don’t always have the time, money, or overall resources to make so many of our ideas happen. [Sidebar-lack of resources is no excuse for not fulfilling God’s vision]
I think most of us have been in this place before, and especially applies in the arena of church planting. We just don't have a lot, but we have a big vision and know God wants to use us. I wanted to share a few thoughts from my experience in no particular order that I have learned about how to get big results with little resources. They aren't necessarily fool-proof, just thoughts I've learned.
1. Operate where you want to be, not where you currently are.
If you don’t first go there in how you operate, nothing and no one will ever follow. I love how Steven Furtick puts it, “Dress for the wedding.” It may look funny now, but it won’t when you get there. Don’t get embarrassed or impatient-go for it.
2. Don’t compare.
It only creates pride or jealousy. Plus, we should celebrate others success and assist others along. We are all on the same team.
3. Develop leaders and delegate authority.
They not only increase your ability to handle more people, but also allow you to perform ministry at a much higher level and focus on things that as the leader you alone can do.
4. Raise funds to increase ministry capability.
Ministry isn’t cheap. It takes money. Sometimes you just got to work to raise it. But money follows vision first, then it follows life changing stories of individuals. Share the vision and what God is doing through you to make their investment worthwhile.
5. Invest money into missional opportunities.
God is extremely honored by our sacrificial giving. We have a responsibility to invest in others around the world, even if it is a sacrificial gift. When you invest, you are partnering together to build the Kingdom and fulfill the mission of the church. And why would God bless us if we are greedy and selfish?
6. Dream big, and strategically cast the vision.
God gives the point leader the dreams and visions. You've got to dream it, discover it, and provide tangible direction at optimal times, so others can follow. Sir Francis Drake says it best, so why try anymore. "Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little. When we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord."
7. Build a relational culture.
All people (unchurched, dechurched, believers, poor, rich, middle class, African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian, Arab, etc) want relationships. As a church leader, we get to offer them two of the greatest relationships in the world-a relationship with God and a relationship with God’s family.
8. Celebrate moments of success.
The principle is true: what gets celebrated is often repeated. Commit to make consistent progress every week. Celebrate that progress publicly and privately. After one year that means you are at least 52% better.
9. Pray God-sized prayers.
If you don’t pray them, they will rarely happen. Plus, God loves the supernatural.
10. Stay focused on the vision and never quit.
It’s easy to be distracted, frustrated, or discouraged. God will always be faithful to finish what He has spoken though. Fight for the vision, work it, and trust God to be faithful. Don’t give up on God’s promises.
What are some things you have learned about getting results with little resources?
