We’re a couple of weeks into the program and I already want to make changes. It’s not that the program is a disaster, I just see things that need to be tweaked. The problem is that I can’t hit the DO OVER button and start with a clean slate.
Maybe you are in a similar place. You’ve worked hard all summer to get the program off the ground and now that we are fully in fall you’re thinking, “This isn’t where I want to be!”
Before you try to figure out how to blow everything up and start over consider making those tweaks and adjustments as you go. It might get slightly messy and momentum will be lost, but making adjustments on the move can be a whole lot easier than starting over and it starts by:
You know the change, you’ve identified but it seems nearly impossible? Spend time praying to God and thinking outside of the box. To spawn that prayer time look at reading scripture, writing in a devotional or going to adoration. Find time to just clear your mind and give your worries to God.
To initiate some thinking the time focus on reading books, watching videos and listening to podcasts within your field or in similar areas. But, when you commit to thinking you commit to solving the problem, even if means going outside of your usual comfort zone.
One of the reasons you probably can’t make a change is because your goals are too lofty and you feel like changing them would seem like a failure. But, it’s not changing your goals is a part of readjusting when the plan isn’t working out. It’s a part of building in more margin because what you are striving for is now achievable
Adjusting your goals is one of the best ways to readjust your thinking, which will lead to significant changes in your ministry. It will relieve the pressure so that you can focus on what needs to get done and fix anything that is broken.
Change is always hard when you try to do it on your own. That’s because you don’t have all the ideas or energy to get the task done. You need others to think outside of the box and to help them get there you need to make sure you are communicating:
One of the best ways to implement this step is by planning evaluation meetings throughout the year. Build a team and you’ll find that change while the ministry is in motion becomes a little bit more palatable.
If you are looking to form a team to help you tackle the big challenges check out my article on Brain Trusts, but if you want to go even further let Marathon Youth Ministry, Inc Consulting show you how (Just click HERE).
When you can make changes on the go you actually commit to a growing ministry with momentum. That’s important because a ministry that commits to growth through leadership and programmatic development is one that’s committed to health.