When facing challenging problems and important decisions it is critical that church leaders examine all of their options carefully. An effective approach divides the process into four steps: Define the Problem Develop Potential Courses of Action Predict Outcomes Make the Decision This is a useful structure because it helps church leaders establish a balanced and informed picture of the risks... Continue Reading
A common question church members and staff ask of church leaders is “Where are we going?” The same is true in any company or business, stakeholders want to know where the organization is going. Churches that are crystal clear on their unique and God inspired direction, and have members, staff and ministries moving together in that direction are consistently healthier... Continue Reading
Micromanagement supervision is a management style whereby a supervisor closely observes or controls the work of subordinates. Much has been written about how micromanagement is really mismanagement. How micromanagers disempower staff, stifle opportunity for growth and innovation, and give rise to poor performance and morale. Like cancer, there are numerous symptoms of micromanagement, most all of which are bad for the... Continue Reading
In the post, “Organizational Alignment and Integration – Why Most Strategic Plans Fail,” we examined the ten components of aligning and integrating a strategic plan into the culture of the church. Once your strategic plan has been developed an additional task essential to execution is to assess each existing ministry initiative for alignment to your strategic plan. If a ministry... Continue Reading
Many skills and attributes are required to become an effective supervisor, but one rises above all others and can be the “deal killer” to effective supervision. The single most critical factor in church staff supervision is the perception of the direct report that their supervisor has the competency and commitment to help them achieve their personal goals and objectives. In... Continue Reading
Over the years as an Executive Pastor I would marvel at the ability of a supervisor to excel in one area of supervision and wince at their inability to execute in another area. Their direct reports inevitably became frustrated, relationships suffered and plans were derailed because they were unaware of all the critical buckets of effective supervision. Each “bucket” below... Continue Reading
In the posts “Leadership Versus Management: What is the Difference” and “Management and Leadership – The Church Needs Both,” we examined the definitions and differences between management and leadership and the necessity of both in healthy churches. Leadership and management are binary, a whole composed of two, yet you’re typically doing one or the other. Therefore, the greatest challenge for a church... Continue Reading
I get asked often about the differences between managers and leaders. I always start the answer with my belief that leadership and management complement each other, and both skills are necessary if the church is to survive. A church that is well-led will not do well without effective management; similarly a church that is well-managed will also not do well... Continue Reading
Studies of various businesses and organizations reveals over 70% of strategic plans are never significantly implemented. My guess is this percentage is much higher in the local church. Why do most strategic plans never make it off the printed page to implementation? In my experience a lack of execution can frequently be traced to a failure to understand the power... Continue Reading
Ministers are regularly required to make difficult and far reaching decisions. Having a grasp of the various basis for decision making helps ministers make wiser decisions. There are seven basis for good decision making: Instinct, Discernment, Facts, Logic, Policies, Experience and Opinion. #1. Instinct The first basis is using your instinct, or intuition. Often this is the first solution that... Continue Reading
In the “5 W’s and 1 H Method for Decision Making” we examined a process for thoroughly analyzing any decision. Another relatively quick and simple approach for producing a comprehensive and in-depth analysis for decision making is to address the two questions that should be answered before making any decision, What Is? and What If? Both questions are helpful in... Continue Reading
The word “distinctive” is defined as a characteristic of a person or thing that distinguishes it from all others. Scripture emphasizes that each person as well as each church is distinctively designed and known by God. Healthy churches have learned the importance of putting members in places of service that account for their distinctive divine design. Effective churches also have... Continue Reading
Jim is a Church Organizational Leadership and Management Coach, Consultant and Trainer. Throughout his career Jim has demonstrated a passion for showing Pastors and Ministers how to use organizational tools for church and personal growth and health.
More About Jim“For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:5