leadership | More Than Dodgeball

Josh GriffinMore Posts Talk To Your Boss Tip

Simple little trick I learned from a great boss years ago: have a file on your desktop called “Talk to Boss” that gives you quick access to what you need to talk to your senior pastor/supervisor about that week. Time with your leader is rare (the larger the church, the less the time for sure) and you need to make the most of it. If they send you an agenda item, drop it in there, too!

JG

Add Comment March 10, 2013

Josh GriffinMore Posts Rising to the Occasion

Sometimes you are going to be called on to rise to the occasion. To take a few swings in the Major League. To step up to the plate. To pinch hit. Maybe you are asked to speak in big church while the senior pastor is on vacation. Guest post on a highly-trafficked blog. Contribute to a new book or resource. Guest lecture at a local Bible college. Teach a workshop at a denominational gathering.

Something outside of your normal tasks and wheelhouse is handed to you. YOU! You know it is going to challenge you like nothing before, so you rise to the occasion. You furiously work harder, study more and deliver what is asked knowing there isn’t margin for failure and giving up isn’t an option. In the end, it wasn’t easy but you delivered. You totally came though – people loved your sermon, the discussions were incredible after your class, the article turned out great.

So rise to the occasion this week. Be the guy who comes through. When you are called on to do something above your pay grade this week, stand and deliver. But when you go back to normal life, be careful.

Be careful the applause didn’t go to your head
Be careful that you don’t ignore menial tasks
Be careful not to become “that guy”
Be careful not to undermine your senior pastor
Be careful not to short-change what you are actually paid/called to do

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!‘ -Matthew 25:23

JG

Add Comment February 28, 2013

Chris WesleyMore Posts The Power Of Networking

This weekend thousands of youth pastors will be flooding the city of Indianapolis for the annual Simply Youth Ministry Conference. Sadly, I will not be one of them. My reason is totally legitimate (And it makes missing not so bad) my wife recently gave birth to our second son Benjamin. One of the aspects of the conference that I’ll miss the most is meeting, growing and praying with some really awesome men and women who are currently in the trenches of youth ministry. One of the best things about events like the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is the ability to build your network.

Networking can be easily overlooked because hanging with other youth workers can feel like time away from work. Youth ministry is demanding because there is a constant need to serve teens, parents and train volunteers. But, if you don’t take the time to sit with other youth workers you’ll lack some important tools and resources to grow in your ministry. When you network with other youth workers in the trenches you:

Are Reminded That You Aren’t Alone – Youth ministry can be lonely because of the burdens you put on yourself. You network with other youth ministers you have a shoulder to cry on, an ear to hear your pains and a soul to pray for you.

Have Someone To Bounce Ideas Off Of - Maybe you have that crazy idea that might just work. Chances are someone before you has tested it out and is willing to give you their insight. Networking with other youth ministers means getting feedback on what works and what doesn’t. It means recommendations on curriculum, conferences and events.

Can Share An Outside Perspective – There will always be challenges in youth ministry. In order to approach the obstacles and situations that might be overwhelming you need someone to give you insight and wisdom. By partnering up with others they’ll give you tips on how to approach your pastor, work with helicopter parents and walk with a hurting teen.

Will Be Encouraged In Your Calling – You will have moments when ministry feels like mud. You might have that temptation to quit, walk away and forget the whole thing; however, having a group of youth workers around you can cheer you on. Your fellow youth workers can remind you why it is God has called you into the trenches of youth ministry.

Networking isn’t wasting time, it’s building to your arsenal of resources to take on the evil one. It also makes youth ministry bigger than your church, it breaks down competition and jealousy. Working, communicating and sharing life with other youth workers will only make you stronger. Take advantage of it.

Why do you network with other youth workers?

Chris Wesley (@chrisrwesley)

9 View Comments February 28, 2013

Geoff StewartMore Posts 4 Phases of Conference Lanyard Style

SYMC is this weekend, so I thought it would be good to bring this post back so that all of us attending the conference this weekend are on the same page. As youth workers from all over the world converge on Indianapolis in just a few days each of them has an important decision to make: How do I wear or not wear my conference lanyard. There are four distinct phases to the evolution of lanyard style and they are as follows.

1 – The “Standard”: The most common form of lanyard style, with it worn as intended around the neck with your name in a place where people can read your name and greet you with it. Often covered in buttons and other flair, the standard position is helpful to everyone else at the conference.

2 – The “Awkward / Cool”: Bored with the standard position many people choose to place their lanyard near or below waist level which causes awkward gazes to the nether regions when greeting new people. This style makes it easy for you to know who has truly forgotten your name as they will be unable to look natural reading this strategically placed lanyard tag. You might be tricked into thinking this is “cool” but its more uncomfortable than anything.

3 – The “I think People Know Me”: If you have been to the conference enough, you are tempted to think that people will recognize you and thus a lanyard might not be necessary, after all do they know who you are? right? Stage three is marked with an intentional concealing of the name card, but with lanyard strap in view so that if necessary you can reveal your credentials at the door if someone has possibly not been graced by your presence in the past.

4 – The “People Definitely Know Me”: Stage 4 is all in, no lanyard in sight or on your person. People know you, and when you walk through the door, no one asks questions. This is the riskiest of all the phases because if it backfires, its a long way back to your hotel room to get it.

I can’t wait to see you all in Indianapolis, I am a phase 1 guy, with my Canadian connect group pin for added flair. See you this weekend.

-Geoff @geoffcstewart

Add Comment February 26, 2013

Josh GriffinMore Posts GUEST POST: Leading by Example

When God places you in a role of leadership, it is not to be taken lightly. He wants to live through you and wants to make a life changing impact in the lives you come in contact with. To do this, you have got to be willing to lead by example so they will have someone to imitate. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)

Living in transparency
We all have short comings. It is important to allow others to see that in you. It is especially when you are in a role of leadership and all they ever see is the perfect side of you. I like to invite the children in my ministry into my world and allow them to live in my imperfect world if only for a moment. I show them it is okay to be imperfect and God can and will still use you anyway. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Love when it hurts
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God–for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8) Love does not stop loving when it doesn’t feel good anymore. Love keeps on loving even when it hurts. It goes to enormous lengths to comfort, to guide, to protect and to lead. With God’s love, we can lead our youth to Jesus.

Speak life
Whether with your youth at church, at a concert or at home; you should watch the words you choose. Words have the power to either lift someone up or drag someone down. It is never okay to speak down on someone even if it is only meant for fun. We are raising up planet shakers and our words should reflect just that. Speak life into your youth group. Speak life to the kid who no one would give a second look. God has incredible plans for each of them. Speak life, see life.

Let’s take our leadership role seriously and choose to lead by example, allowing God to use us to positively impact the lives of the youth of tomorrow.

Ashley Fordinal is the Children’s Church volunteer at Family Life Church in Sulphur Springs, TX.

Add Comment February 23, 2013

Josh GriffinMore Posts Youth Ministry Do’s

This week we’re taking on a few youth ministry do’s and don’ts! With our experience, we’ve learned a few things about both sides of this—we’ve both had some solid successes and some epic failures! Would love for you to read these, and then add your own in the comments, too. Here are some things we think are big time “Do’s”!

DO stay committed to the basics.
Youth ministry isn’t rocket science. In fact, some of the most important parts of a healthy youth ministry are actually quite simple: remembering names, following up with a newcomer, visiting a sick student at the hospital, sending a birthday card, remembering prayer requests, etc. Staying faithful to the basics is often what makes the biggest difference.

DO work to win the trust of parents.
I (Kurt) have a favorite saying: “If parents are for you, who can be against you?” And one of the best ways to get parents “for you” is to earn their trust. Here are three simple things that help build trust with parents.

Consistent and accurate communication
Treating their children well
Having a “transparent” ministry where parents questions, concerns, etc. are welcomed

DO empower your leaders.
Your ministry’s ability to grow, expand and advance the Kingdom is largely determined by your ability to empower your volunteer team and give them mass amounts of ownership and responsibility.

DO get out of the walls of the church and look around!
There is a big, wide world of youth culture out there that you need to understand! Read what your students read, watch what they watch, and listen to what they listen to…not because you like it, but because you care enough to be educated. Hang out at the movie theater on a Friday night and take mental notes. Volunteer to chaperone the winter formal. Good church work often requires getting away from the church!

DO take care of yourself.
We know you hear this one all the time, but you’re going to hear it again! Your ministry really is only as healthy as its leader.

Those are a few things we thing every youth worker needs to DO! What would you add to this list?

This post was written by Josh Griffin and Kurt Johnston and originally appeared as part of Simply Youth Ministry Today free newsletter. Subscribe to SYM Today right here.

1 View Comments February 21, 2013

Geoff StewartMore Posts Abusing Influence

Its starts with a pitch, which starts with a few compliments. Hey Geoff, you are a really outgoing guy, you probably have a lot of friends and people in the Church really respect you. It sounds great so far until the words I fear the most come out , “I have an opportunity for you.”

He proceeds to remind me that I probably don’t get paid a lot working in ministry, but I have a lot of people that respect me that would surely get on board with this new business opportunity. He said you could make thousands of extra dollars a month by simply talking to and recruiting people who trust me, who would recruit their friends to sell a product to their families and friends. Its a win-win-win he said.

While the promise of increased income and being able to stay in ministry might sounds appealing, I can’t think of many things that would be more compromising my leadership than using my influence to promote or sell any sort of product or business opportunity. Our students and congregation trust that our intentions are to shepherd them into growing relationship with Christ. They also trust that we are not going to shepherd them into lining our wallets. If you are recommending a resource or book, be sure that it is beneficial to your people ahead being beneficial to you for them to buy it.

As a person of influence you will likely be approached at some point about a multi-level marketing opportunity, but I beg of you to not get involved. You are at risk of being tempted to abuse your authority and influence for your own financial gain. No only is it unwise, unfair, but really unethical.

These worlds can not collide, because when our motives become muddy and unclear, our authority and leadership will suffer for it.

Please don’t abuse your influence.

-Geoff @geoffcstewart

Add Comment February 20, 2013

Geoff StewartMore Posts GUEST POST: Living in Unity

I am increasingly convinced that one of the most powerful things a church can do in their area is live in complete unity with other churches.

We have all experienced moments where churches were anything but unified. Times when you instantly understand that we have somehow missed the point. I’ve also seen communities where churches do a decent job of being at peace with one another. As in, you do your thing and we’ll do our thing and as long as your thing doesn’t mess with our thing, then its all good. That is nice and all, but I do believe that it is possible to do more than just get along. I do believe it is possible to live in unity; joined together as one.

Here are four things I think will help you fight for unity among churches in your area.

Pray - Jesus prayed, in John 17:20-23, that the disciples would experience complete unity, so that the world would know the truth about God’s love for them. We should pray for the same thing. Pray that God would break down the walls of territorialism amongst churches in your area. God, remind us that we are on the same team.

Celebrate the Wins - Often, it is easy to celebrate the success of a Church, or a Student Ministry, on the other side of the country, but what about the one across the street or down the block?

One thing that we do in our area is host Quarterly “All-Staff” Meetings. It is basically a collective staff meeting. Each time a different church will host as we come together for prayer, free breakfast (provided by the host church, or a local Chick-fil-A), worship, and teaching from the hosting Senior Pastor. It is absolutely beautiful. We celebrate everything that God is doing in our churches, in our region, and we remind ourselves that we are in it together as we attempt to minister to the 1.3 millionlost people in our County.

Youth Ministry “Network” meetings are another invaluable thing you can do in your area. Simply bring local Student Pastors together regularly for prayer. Consider hosting community-wide events together.

Ask the Hard Questions - How many students and/or families do you have that come to visit from other churches? What do you say when they tell you where they are from? Do you know the pastor’s name? Do you know what is going on there? Can you encourage them, “Man, we love your church. Do you know Pastor Dave? He is a great friend of mine. Loved hearing about your Mission Trip last summer, were you a part of that?” As much as it depends on you, encourage students and families to bloom where they are planted.

Ask yourself: Is our ministry constantly welcoming Christians that we’ve traded with the place down the street, or are we consistently welcoming the lost? If you’re doing a lot of trading, what you have to realize is that, at some point, for your ministry to “succeed” the one down the street has to fail. That’s not right, and something has to change.

Guard Your Tongue - The extent to which we are prone to tear down brothers and sisters in Christ never ceases to amazes me. It happens in casual conversation, it happens on blogs, it happens in 140 characters or less… Very simply, there is no room in the Kingdom of God to bash other believers. Lovingly correct them? Yes. But that is done directly and privately before anything else.

I just wonder if it is time for people to know churches less by what divides us and more by what unites us. If the goal is to grow in the image and likeness of Jesus, and point others towards a saving knowledge of Him, then I’m in.

May our churches be marked by a spirit of unity.

Ryan McDermott is the Director of Student Ministries at the Royal Palm Campus of Christ Fellowship Church in South Florida. Follow him @ryanmcdermott and check out the church at gochristfellowship.com.