Six More Reasons We Aren't Growing (2013 Part I)

[Yesterday I posted a blog I wrote in 2009 on "Six Reasons More Reasons We Aren't Growing." This blog is my new perspective on the first three reasons]

7) You Can’t Spot Talent

"Growing ministries require strong, innovative leaders. If you can’t spot leaders, you won’t know who to pursue and develop."

Spotting talent is about more than just seeing ability.  It's about identifying everyone's natural and spiritual gifts, and developing those gifts.  

The tricky part in student ministry is that you absolutely know that you're going to average 25% turnover every single year with your high school student leaders.  This is particularly frustrating because it will feel like as soon as someone starts to get really good at something, they graduate.  

On the flip side, each year you get a new batch of students at each level of development.  To have on-going success you must constantly think long term about where you want your students and ministry to be.

8) You’re Addicted to Really Bad Ideas

"Some ideas have always sucked.

Some ideas become outdated and therefore start to suck.

Some ideas are so over-done that they start to suck."

Successful ministry ministry requires constant evaluation and the courage to make change.  This has never been more true.  Culture is changing at an ever accelerating rate.  To minister to people where they are at requires constantly re-evaluating and adjusting your ministry simply to keep up.

9) You Aren’t Doing Anything to Reach Anyone Outside of the Building

"Growth requires new people. If you aren’t doing anything to build bridges to new people, you’re not going to grow. If you’re lucky and someone does stumble through the door, you’re only adding someone who would have ended up at the church down the street."

As time passes, the gravitational pull of every ministry is inward.  Ministry never naturally drifts toward outward focus. Therefore, you must constantly and intentionally make decisions to make your ministry outward focused.