PATHWAYS
After a person has decided to implement a change, the next two questions are "How and what?"
In our consultation meeting, the original 'next steps' were defined in terms of attendance. (e. start going to this or that). When challenged on this point, the reason given was that this is something that is easily measurable.
As measurability is expected to be by self analysis, then setting realistic expectations and providing tangible steps is necessary to create momentum.
Failure to provide guidance will result in frustration and lack of motivation.
Once a person has decided to make a next step, then the next questions are
1) What is it that I want to do?
2) Where am I now?
3) What do I do next? (covered in next section "GOAL SETTING"
This is where the church can provide guidance if it so wishes. The key is getting people to make a realistic assessment of their current state, and the next step in achieving where they feel they should go.
To makes a realistic assessment, a person can review 7 keys areas that are generally accepted as necessary for a balanced life.
In our consultation meeting, the original 'next steps' were defined in terms of attendance. (e. start going to this or that). When challenged on this point, the reason given was that this is something that is easily measurable.
As measurability is expected to be by self analysis, then setting realistic expectations and providing tangible steps is necessary to create momentum.
Failure to provide guidance will result in frustration and lack of motivation.
Once a person has decided to make a next step, then the next questions are
1) What is it that I want to do?
2) Where am I now?
3) What do I do next? (covered in next section "GOAL SETTING"
This is where the church can provide guidance if it so wishes. The key is getting people to make a realistic assessment of their current state, and the next step in achieving where they feel they should go.
To makes a realistic assessment, a person can review 7 keys areas that are generally accepted as necessary for a balanced life.
Zig Ziglar said, “I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life.”
The church could encourage 'next steps' in each of these areas. The value of family, relationships (social) , or education (intellectual), or personal growth (Career) can all be emphasised and 'next steps' encouraged.
However, primarily all of these areas are outside related to life outside of the church context. For example, if a person decides to take a next step in education, they should book themselves in a course.
The church may want to encourage people to take a balanced life test. See ARTICLE: LIFE BALANCE TEST
However, the main area that the church can provide tangible next steps is in the area of spiritual. This will result in a step in two directions. Firstly a step of faith. Secondly, a step towards active service. I call the second type of step 'Pathways to Ministry'
This is where all the main areas of the church are identified and pathways determined.
The could be
The leader of each department or area, should defines the roles that are available in that ministry (including their own role) and what people need to do next in order to move into that area. The following form is a simple form that leaders can use to help them define the pathways in their area of responsibility.
Alternatively, a top down management style engaged and the top leaders decide what are all the potential positions in the church. Either way a series of steps should be identified that will allow people to pick their next step. For example; to be come a home group leader, first you need to be intending, then need to complete HG training, then need to assist for a while. Etc.
Each role should define for every area of responsibility in the church. It is envisaged that each area of responsibility end up with a diagram of interconnected nodes showing the pathways people can take. An example for HOME GROUPS is shown below:
The church could encourage 'next steps' in each of these areas. The value of family, relationships (social) , or education (intellectual), or personal growth (Career) can all be emphasised and 'next steps' encouraged.
However, primarily all of these areas are outside related to life outside of the church context. For example, if a person decides to take a next step in education, they should book themselves in a course.
The church may want to encourage people to take a balanced life test. See ARTICLE: LIFE BALANCE TEST
However, the main area that the church can provide tangible next steps is in the area of spiritual. This will result in a step in two directions. Firstly a step of faith. Secondly, a step towards active service. I call the second type of step 'Pathways to Ministry'
This is where all the main areas of the church are identified and pathways determined.
The could be
- Community work
- Missions
- Youth
- Mens
- Children
- Technical
- Worship team
- etc
The leader of each department or area, should defines the roles that are available in that ministry (including their own role) and what people need to do next in order to move into that area. The following form is a simple form that leaders can use to help them define the pathways in their area of responsibility.
Alternatively, a top down management style engaged and the top leaders decide what are all the potential positions in the church. Either way a series of steps should be identified that will allow people to pick their next step. For example; to be come a home group leader, first you need to be intending, then need to complete HG training, then need to assist for a while. Etc.
Each role should define for every area of responsibility in the church. It is envisaged that each area of responsibility end up with a diagram of interconnected nodes showing the pathways people can take. An example for HOME GROUPS is shown below:
FORM TO HELP DETERMINE NODES
To assist leaders, the following form has been constructed. It may be useful and can download here.
To assist leaders, the following form has been constructed. It may be useful and can download here.
albany_hills_next_steps_pathways.docx | |
File Size: | 48 kb |
File Type: | docx |
ConCLUSION
There are many areas in a personal life that they can take next steps. Each step is according to a certain pathway desired by the individual. When it comes to spiritual matters, the church could provide clear 'next steps' encouraging involvement. In order to do this, each role in the church and how one gets there should be defined. Note: all this work will be used in the volunteer day (see IMPLEMENTATION)
DZ PERSONAL COMMENTS
All pathways are ultimately defined by what the leadership thinks ministry is.
What is the final ministry destination for a individual in Albany Hills Christian Church? To answer this question, the leadership need to think carefully about what they really believe ministry is. My views on ministry are not mainstream. I observe that many in church are encouraged to see a role in the church as outworking ministry. Whilst this is true, it can be narrow in world view. I have a different view on ministry. If you would like more discussion on this point go NOTE 2 in the "THEOLOGICAL" section.
What is the final ministry destination for a individual in Albany Hills Christian Church? To answer this question, the leadership need to think carefully about what they really believe ministry is. My views on ministry are not mainstream. I observe that many in church are encouraged to see a role in the church as outworking ministry. Whilst this is true, it can be narrow in world view. I have a different view on ministry. If you would like more discussion on this point go NOTE 2 in the "THEOLOGICAL" section.