After seminary, many pastors wish they had learned more about how to handle church operations.
In school, you learn sound theology, the intricacies of preaching and keys to successful evangelism. These are all good things, but missing from some curriculum is how to properly lead and manage the business of the church.
One church leader told me recently that in his opinion one of the biggest areas where pastors make mistakes is administratively. I think the reason for this is we don’t know how. Many pastors get excited about sermon prep, visiting members and casting vision. Operations management isn’t usually high on the list.
Here are a few things I’ve learned about managing those unavoidable church leadership meetings.
When I follow these suggestions, meetings go well. When I don’t, things take longer than usual, there’s a lack of direction and frustration can occur.
1. Write it down.
An agenda sets the direction for your meeting. It serves as both a visual guide and a place to take notes.
In an ideal situation, you would have your agenda set and emailed to your staff, board members or leadership team before the meeting. This gives them time to process the agenda items and makes for a better discussion.
It’s easy to get side tracked without an agenda; without one, anything is fair game. Agendas also work for those “let’s meet for 15 minutes after service on the piano side” meetings as well.
Stuck on how to come up with an agenda? Try a Google search.
2. Request the stories.
Place on your agenda an item to discuss the stories of how people have been impacted by your church. If none of these stories exist, there is a problem.
If the focus and energy of the church is only about the satisfaction and interest of the members, then you’re missing it. Scrap the agenda altogether and use the time to refocus.
Telling the stories of success helps to inspire your leaders.
