As a church planter, I’ve experienced seasons of drought, where nothing we’ve tried seemed to work, and seasons of fruitfulness, making strategic moves that proved to work very well.
What has caused the forecast of our church plant to swing from long moments of drought to signs of rain? Here are 6 FOUNDATIONAL principles that we began to intentionally and strategically focus on as a team:
V.A.L.U.E.S
1. V- ision – We DO NOT create vision, we receive it. Have you received a God-driven vision for your church? DO NOT be afraid to publically proclaim that vision. Declare it boldly, clearly, unapologetically and often to your team and watch them respond positively! Vision is worth MORE than gold (Prov. 29:18; Acts 2:17).
2. A-ttiude – Are you creating a YES WE CAN vibe within your team? Nothing will kill momentum faster than a negative NO WE CAN’T attitude. We’re called to have Christ-like attitudes, and Jesus taught that all things were possible with God (Matt. 19:26; Phil. 2:5).
3. L-eadership – Are you creating a culture of next level leadership within your team? Leadership is refusing the urge to settle for the status quo in EVERY area of life, while ALWAYS working to improve (Daniel 6:1-3; 1 Cor. 11:1; Titus 1:5-9).
4. U-nderstanding – Are you creating a culture of understanding, where your team CLEARLY understands the vision, STANDS UNDER it, and passionately teaches it to others (Phil. 2:1-2; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 16:28)?
5. E-nduring Excellence – Are you creating a culture where excellence isn’t a single act, but it’s a constant habit? Excellence is essential to growth (Matt. 25:23; Mk. 7:37; 1 Cor. 9:24).
6. S-ervant-hood – Are you creating a culture where people go out of their way to RADICALLY serve everyone, especially first-time guests? Guests will REMEMBER how your volunteers made them FEEL (Matt. 20:26-28; Jn. 13:12-17)!
For further reading, I recommend Transforming Church in Rural America, by Shannon O’dell.
