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Three Exceptions to Three Foolish Rules

There are a few unstated rules that keep many churches from accomplishing God-sized ministry. It may be time to make exceptions.
 
1.     Never consider anything that isn’t politically correct.  Too many pastors find themselves in a very awkward situation. They know what they should do but it is politically incorrect in the climate where they are serving. The statement that often runs through their mind… “I’ll lose my job if…”. I’ll bet many of us can finish this sentence with ease. Sometimes, in order for us to accomplish God’s agenda, we must set aside political correctness and wisely move forward. You may have noticed I used the word “wisely” in the last sentence. Politics can oftentimes be overcome by wisely integrating a new ideology or methodology. Being wise includes the timing of the decision and actions, the amount of time taken to make the change, the process used to move forward, and engaging the right people and teams in the process at the right time.
 
2.    Never take a chance on someone who is an out-of-the-box thinker. Common practice when bringing on a new church staff member or recruiting a volunteer for the ministry is to never bring someone on board who will make ideological or methodological waves.While this may make life easier it probably won’t make the ministry flourish. An out-of-the-box thinker keeps a team from living in the land of group think, helps a team see and embrace more relevant ways to do ministry, and creates a climate of anticipation and expectation. But beware… Choosing someone who is an innovator but not a hard worker will create more tension than anticipation. And be aware…If you bring an out-of-the-box thinker onto your team you’re going to need to, as the key leader, help others on the team understand the importance of and need for a person who thinks differently and is driving the church to think beyond what always has been.
 

3.    Never do a new church-wide initiative when things are running smoothly. Too many church leaders determine all is well and that they can settle in and enjoy a smooth ride. But church leaders that create ongoing momentum think like surfers. They’ve just finished riding the last wave and are anticipating catching the next one. Here’s the deal… Each time a new initiative is brought to the church a new momentum is created. People get excited about the next initiative and energy flows throughout the church body. If vision is casts well, a workable strategy is put in place, people are recruited and trained to do the jobs they’re being asked to do, are led by capable leaders, and the event or initiative is done with excellence then celebrated with exuberance, the church will be willing to join a church leader in new and exciting church-wide initiatives often. But beware… You mustn’t overdo this. People need breathing room between each church-wide initiative and sometimes may even need a long, long break from such. Each church leader must read the rhythms of their congregation to know how long and when to give their congregants a break.

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rhowerton@churchleaders.com'
Rick has one passion… To see “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.” He is presently pursuing this passion as the Small Group and Discipleship Specialist at LifeWay Church Resources. Rick has authored or co-authored multiple books, studies, and leader training resources including A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic, Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual, The Gospel and the Truth: Living the Message of Jesus, Small Group Life Ministry Manual: A New Approach to Small Groups, Redeeming the Tears: a Journey Through Grief and Loss, Small Group Life: Kingdom, Small Group Kickoff Retreat: Experiential Training for Small Group Leaders, and Great Beginnings: Your First Small Group Study, Disciples Path: A Practical Guide to Disciple Making. Rick’s varied ministry experiences as an collegiate minister, small group pastor, teaching pastor, elder, full-time trainer and church consultant, as well as having been a successful church planter gives him a perspective of church life that is all-encompassing and multi-dimensional. Rick is a highly sought after communicator and trainer.