Three Immediate Action Steps…That Pay Off Big Time
If you’re like me, you’re thinking about vacation. And you’re not the only one. Your key leaders (small group coaches and senior, experienced small group leaders) are also thinking about vacation.
Still…right now is the perfect time to take three action steps that will pay off big time. And the key is, these steps will pay off right away. They’ll also pay off in about 60 to 90 days. And the best part is, they’ll pay off in the long run, too!
What action steps pay off three times? Keep reading. I think you’re going to like this. Better, I know it will make a difference in your small group ministry.
Three Action Steps…that Pay Off Big Time:
The first step is to set aside an hour or two to think about your group leaders. You can do this alone…but it’s even better if you’ve got an existing coach or another pair of eyes (or two) who know the group leaders in your ministry. And if you’ve got more than 25 leaders, you definitely need help with this. As you think about each one, ask yourself this question: Are they using their gifts and talents in the way that will hear “well done” at the end of their season?
Follow me on this. When you look at the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25), it is very clear that we are given resources “according to our ability.” Not everyone is given the same the same thing to work with. I like to combine this understanding with Jim Collins’ simple metaphor illustrating the importance of helping team members get into “the right seat on the bus” to point out that if you carefully and thoughtfully assess the small group leaders on your team, you might discover that you’ve got some 5 Talent people (who ought to be coaches) in a 2 Talent role.
Do you see this? Get the concept? This is big. It’s big because I believe a 5 Talent person in a 2 Talent role cannot possibly hear “well done.” Worse…I believe we’re the stewards of the talent! As small group pastors and directors, I believe we’re the ones that ultimately will be evaluated on whether we utilized the players to the best of their ability.
So step one is pretty simple. Think through your group leader roster and identify the leaders who might have more potential than they’re currently utilizing (by only caring for 8 to 12).
Step Two is to set up an appointment with each of them to talk about their potential and what you see in them. It can be breakfast or lunch. It can even be just coffee. The key is to make the appointment for sooner rather than later. Get it done! For more on this, take the time to read my four part series How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure.
Step Three is to offer them a “toe-in-the-water” opportunity to help mentor another new leader or two for the 10 to 13 week run of your fall church-wide campaign or alignment (I just know you’re planning one for this September or October!). You might be tempted to go for the full-on commitment right off the bat (and it would be okay for some), but in most cases it’s better to help them start with a short term (10 to 13 weeks) and limited assignment (one or two leaders).
There you have it. Got what you need? Let me encourage you to get started TODAY!
For more on this concept, be sure and read Recruiting Additional Coaches for Church-Wide Campaigns.
Need help with this? Sometimes the best move you can make is to bring in a strategic outsider with fresh eyes to join the conversation. I’d love to help you. Why not Email Me to find out how easy it is to get started?
