Do You Value Your Own Development?

After years of going back and forth, I finally enrolled in grad school. The reason it took me so long to make a simple decision is that I was too busy to take the time to learn. It feels a little hypocritical to admit, considering I’ve created a company on professional development. Still, like anyone, it’s easy to lose sight of investing in yourself when you are focused on investing in others.

One of the reasons parishes grow stagnant, and leaders burn out is because they’ve forgotten an important principle: Growing Disciples Require Growing Disciples.

A significant part of leading others is your ability to extend your capacity without exhausting your resources, time, and energy. While not everyone needs to go back to grad school, they do need to look at their formation plans as leaders in ministry. To get started, you need to look at the:

TIME DEDICATED TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT

A lack of time is one of the biggest reasons we never grow. When I talk to clients about professional development, they tell me that between work and at home obligations, there isn’t any time to listen to podcasts, read a book, let alone attend a conference. Busyness is the biggest obstacle to productiveness, and that’s why we have to remember:

• Our formation is a habit. Like brushing your teeth, your formation should be automatic. When you get up in the morning, prayer should be one of those things you do. Subscribing to a podcast or reading a few pages a night can become a part of our routine; we need to remind ourselves that these habits (Like taking a shower) lead to a healthier version of you.
• Your employer expects you to grow. Attending a webinar, going to a conference, and reading books should not be done on your own time. Your employer is paying for you to do your best, and sometimes that requires reading a book while in office.

We have to remember that ministry is not just about doing, but learning and listening. As we acquire information, wisdom, and knowledge, we can then do a more efficient and effective job serving others and bringing them closer to Christ.

FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ALLOCATED TO YOUR GROWTH

Your salary is only a piece of your investment. While not all parishes can afford a full-time paid employee, they should look at allocating funds towards their development. Every parish should have a professional development budget for their teams, and if yours does not, it’s time to ask for one. We aren’t talking about a lot, but some areas to consider:

• Books and other reading materials. While some materials are free or can be found at the library, being able to buy a few books a year to highlight, and mark up are fantastic to have in your toolbox.
• Membership Dues. There are organizations, in addition to Marathon Youth Ministry, that offers membership sites filled with resources, coaching, and other tools to help you grow. The initial investment might seem like a lot, but knowing that there is a community pouring into you can provide the motivation and wisdom you need to build momentum. To learn more about MYMU, click HERE.
• Retreats, Workshops, and Conferences. The investment is usually higher in these areas, but the return is immense. These are opportunities to take a step back and look at your personal and professional life from a 30,000-foot view. This is where your tank is filled with inspiration and rest.

Again, it doesn’t take a lot, but what you get in return is priceless. The more your fuel your leadership, the more it gives back to the parish. If you have trouble communicating the financial cost to your pastor or supervisor, look at the proposed outcome of the resource. What are they promising, and what is the value your parish will get back? Focus on the outcome, and it’ll help make the sacrifice seem attainable.

CHARACTERISTICS AND HABITS OF LEADERSHIP YOU WISH TO OBTAIN

I know I’m not the only one who’s purchased a resource or attended a conference without asking, “How will this help me grow?” While you can never fully answer that question before hitting the payment button, you can mitigate the risk of a wrong purchase by having an idea of the leadership qualities, characteristics, and responsibilities your job requires.

If you are not sure what those are, then it’s essential to revisit your job description. What areas of your job do you feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped? Is it your theology? Then invest in your intellectual formation. If you feel like you are running the ministry on your own, then look into developing recruiting or management skills.

In addition to your job description, it’s essential to look at other leaders you admire. Reach out to them or look up what they’ve done to invest in themselves. Try out their tips, habits, and hacks. Remember, leaders, learn from other leaders.

Your leadership is not a position; it’s a gift from God that needs to be cared for. If you neglect your investment, you’ll find your ministry suffering. If you don’t know where to begin, start with your schedule, and build in prayer. Ask God to guide you to the right resources and remember to grow.

What are you currently doing to invest in your leadership?