People always say that you have to change to keep up with the times and culture. That’s great, but how does that look. What are some things we need to consider to grow and keep being the church God intended? Sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it. Consider these five words that can change your church.
1. Inviting... instead of recruitingWhen someone is recruited, it brings to mind cajoling or convincing. It also implies action on the part of the recruiter, not on the part of the recruitee. Inviting describes a very different approach; one that includes intent and desire on the part of the equipee to serve, minister, and also to be released into service.
2. Active Service... instead of volunteering
Asking people to join you in active service creates a partnership and promotes ownership of the work (ministry). When one volunteers, all that is required is to show up and complete a task. This leads to our next phrase:
3. Delegating... instead of dumping
While delegating is tough for some leaders, it is a necessary skill. It shares some level of ownership and responsibility with other people. This can be a little trickier, as levels of delegation may vary depending on the role, person, or importance. There is a greater risk that something could go wrong, which may be why we often hold back from true delegation and settle for dumping to-do lists on our volunteers.
4. Empowering... instead of authorizing
Similar to number three, empowering means you completely trust and release that person to "take the ball and run with it." Leaders who think in terms of authorizing, retain control over outcomes. True empowering lets go of that control, and trusts his team - and God - with the results.
5. Collaboration... instead of isolation
While many think of leadership as a "It's lonely at the top" sort of thing; in reality the essence of leadership is surrounding yourself with great people... and then to draw on their gifts and talents in meaningful ways.
