3. Lingering (or Even Just Slow) Decision Making
This is closely related to my previous point, but a little broader. Sometimes, we’re afraid to make the tough call. Sometimes, we’re bogged down in too much red tape. Sometimes, we’re consumed with “what others think.”
Regardless of the reason, decisions that linger are momentum killers! I’m not saying that we shouldn’t prayerfully consider every decision; I’m saying don’t drag it out! If you’re gut is telling you to act, you should act. Often times, we wait too long to make a choice, and then the window of opportunity has passed.
Learn to make wise decisions as quickly as you can.
4. Lack of Excellence
Our staff has a saying, “Excellence is invisible.” In other words, people really notice when something is wrong, but they don’t always notice when things go right.
If your leadership, programs, teaching, resources, ministries, and facilities are not excellent, people will notice, and they will be less likely to participate. Keeping excellence in front of the people you lead will always contribute to momentum. Neglecting excellence will always stop it.
5. Unfulfilled Promises
Never create an expectation that you don’t intent to meet or exceed.
Don’t promote a new series or study as “the best of the year” only to deliver something unremarkable. Never claim on your Web site or bulletin that you have an “outstanding children’s ministry” if you really don’t. Avoid telling parents that their teenagers will love your student ministry if you’re not absolutely certain of the fact.
As soon as you start leading your ministry or organization to deliver less-than-promised-results, you’ve started to kill momentum.
These are just a few momentum killers that are in the forefront of my mind. What momentum killers have you experienced or seen?
