Momentum Principles
So with the foundation of God’s favor and blessing on the church, how do we continue to facilitate the big mo in the church? Well, one thing is something I touched on in my last post - saying “yes” to things that fit the church’s vision and mission and saying “no” to things that do not.
What will begin to drain the momentum of a church is doing too many things and going in too many directions.
Here at Celebration Church we are constantly guarding against mission drift. It still happens in areas from time to time. The tendency is always there because there are so many needs and “good things” we have the opportunity to do. God has really taught us a big lesson in this over the past year.
Vision alignment is key – the staff, our leaders, and the ministry team members all being on the same page and rowing in the same direction is crucial for us getting where God wants us to be. Making sure that all of the extra events and outreaches that we give energy to are actually helping the church move forward as a whole and that our impact is effective and maximized for God’s kingdom.
I will continue to talk about momentum a little more in my Tuesday blog post.
Understanding Momentum
In church life I have learned that momentum is just huge. Call it what you want – but it is that intangible quality that a church has when the life and favor of God are creating an excitement and buzz and things are just “happening.”
We have been so blessed to have so much momentum for the last 9 years and guarding and sustaining that is key. I am going to be sharing about this in future blogposts because I think sometimes leaders underestimate the power of momentum. Churches can do things to add or subtract from momentum. God wants His church to have it (just check out Acts 2) so we need to understand how to get it and keep it. Stay tuned…
Also I just want to say what a great experience I had hanging out and talking with several of our leaders at lead sync – you talk about momentum. Our group leaders and ministry team leaders are really taking things to the next level.
What leaders need to ask themselves
One of the biggest challenges of leading is knowing what to say no to. Many times we have to say no to the good in order to say yes to the best. This is a key to being effective as a person and as a leader. At Celebration we are always asking ourselves that question. This is where mission, vision and values are so important. It provides a guiding post as to what God has called us to do.
Then there is the leader’s intuition as to what season does God have the church in. There are stretching seasons and strengthening seasons. Sowing seasons and reaping seasons.
As a person and a church leader ask yourself these two questions:
- What do I need to say no to?
- What season am I in? (or your church/ministry)
Answering these questions correctly are crucial for effective leadership in God’s kingdom.
Friends, Groups, and Transformation
It was great to have my friend Chris Hodges in this weekend from Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL.
I thought his three points really hit home and were a perfect fit for the Transformers series we are in. I especially liked the point he made about relationships being part of the process that helps you reach your full potential in God. That is true in a lot of ways. I know that I can trust my closest friends to give me perspective, encourage me, and to keep me in line – to ask the tough questions that I need to have asked of me.
We all need to have friends in our lives that have permission to get into our business, and we have to make it our business to be truthful and honest when the tough questions come our way.
Some of the most transformational discipleship that I have ever participated in was done through a small group.
Even today, some of the most impacting moments in my life occur when I am with my group of pastor friends from other churches. It’s so important to make time for that dynamic in your life.
That’s why I’m really pumped about the launch of small groups next week. They are one of the main ways that we can cultivate our relationships with other believers and with God.
Jags vs. Titans: Can I cheer for both?
I know many of you are excited about NFL kickoff this weekend. I know I am. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Jags perform against the Titans this Sunday.
I do want to let everyone know that I am a Jags fan but this weekend I will be a partial Titans fan as well. That is because one of my good friends, Kevin Mawae, is an all pro center for the Titans. Kevin came with us to the Hillsong Conference this year and just loved it. He and his wife Tracey are great people and I will look forward to seeing him this weekend.
Usually, I am exhausted after church on Sunday’s that watching football is a great way to veg out.