Is It As Simple As This?

If you’ve been along for very much of this conversation, you know that I am a fan of simple and often self-evident wisdom.

I believe Andy Stanley was right.  Your ministry really is “perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing.”

I have no doubt that there actually aren’t any problem-free solutions, strategies or systems and wise leaders really do simply choose the set of problems they’d rather have.

And while I’m on the subject of simple wisdom, I am also confident that Jesus was on to something big when He said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16 NIV).”

Shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

I had a long talk with someone the other day and told them that they had the innocent as a dove part down, but if they wanted to lead they must learn to be wise as a serpent.  And, full disclosure, I also told them that I could use some work on the innocent as a dove part.

The bottom line today?  Building a thriving small group ministry requires wisely making tough decisions.  Bloated belong and become menus will have to be trimmed down.  You will have to develop clarity about the right next step and that will require choosing what is not the right next step.  It will be essential to develop a keen understanding of the culture.  And there will be no way around adopting a leadership development track that will require commitment and endurance.  See also, 5 Small Group Ministry Roadblocks.

What do you need to develop?  Wisdom or innocence?  You can click here to jump into the conversation.