18. Do more by doing less. Focus on the main thing. Why were you put on the earth? If God has a wonderful plan for your life, (and He does!) then what is that plan? Focus on your main thing. Focus calls for a concentrated push or intentional actions. What are you doing presently that’s keeping you from your main thing? Just because it a good idea doesn’t make it a God idea.
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17. When it’s over, crash! Get some rest. I try to always schedule a break between big pushes. Watch out for too many irons in the fire. Be realistic on the amount of projects you take on. I have learned to get others on board to help you limit what you do. I have a group I run outside projects b so I don’t take on more than I can handle.
16. Get feedback from others. A good leader is a good listener. I consult others before hand, during, and afterward and get a cross section of opinions from different perspectives.
15. Develop a plan to make next year better. Learn from your experiences. As soon as an event is over I ask my team what did we learn? How can we make it better? What do we need to simplify? Do this while it’s fresh on your mind, go ahead and start next year’s file.
I’ve always enjoyed reading the wisdom of Dale Breckenridge Carnegie. He was the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, first published in 1936 (a massive bestseller that remains popular today).
For the next several days, I’ll share tips from Carnegie so you can apply them to your children’s ministry leadership. Today’s tip: Show a real interest in others.
Here are four ways to get it done:
1. Let the other person do most of the talking.
2. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
3. Be a good listener.
4. Talk in terms of the other person’s interest.
14. Don’t make people decisions when time is limited. When it concerns someone else, take your time and consider things from every angle. Always treat others the way you would want them to treat you or your kids. Don’t let the shortness of the hour keep you from making a wise decision, slow things down and think it through when it affects people.
13. Don’t ever quit or make big decisions during the madness. Major decisions and crazy times don’t go together. This is a key rule to remember.
I love reading my Bible through in a year. I read the same words year after year, yes, but I see new things every time. This post stems from one of those times.
Last night I was reading in the book of Exodus, chapter 19. Verse 17 of that chapter says (NASB):
“And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.”
We see the Israelites here coming to meet with God at Mount Sinai. But something interesting happens. They come out of the camp specifically to meet with God. They stood there for days, if not weeks on end, waiting for God to speak and share His message with them. I don’t know about you, but when I stand for more than a few hours I’m ready to sit down! The Israelites stood there for weeks! Continue reading ‘Get Out of Your Comfort Zone’
12. When you are tired and busy, don’t think, rely on a checklist. I’ve been saying this before I got gray hair, “Paper is for remembering not my brain. I don’t try to remember anything that I can know by having information with me.
11. Stop and listen to Jesus. I shouldn’t have to say this to Children’s ministers but make time for the Word! You are the only person who can make sure you stay refreshed spiritually, and that you feed your spirit. If you can’t go to church, listen to the CD. Sing and praise God in the car in the shower and in the craziness of life.