Are you feeling rested, refreshed, and ready for the fall ministry season?
Over many conversations, it seems like there is a mixed bag of responses such as:
- I tried to get a break over the summer but didn’t really get one, and I’m tired.
- I sense God’s presence, and we are ready!
- I’m looking forward to the fall, but I have some big problems to face.
- I’m rested but feeling unclear about our direction for the fall.
How would you respond?
As a leader, it’s important to have trusted confidants to talk to, a few people who are safe, smart, and strong. Advisors you know you can be honest with. At times they are literally a lifeline to you.
It’s good to get benchmarks from other trusted leaders; that helps clarify your perspective but be careful of comparison. You need to be solidly in touch with how you and your ministry are doing and focus there.
The fall season will soon be here, and we all want to see life change and growth. But while your programs are important, they are not the primary driving factor. Instead, God’s presence and your leadership make the difference.
There are many things you will encounter this fall.
Here’s a short list.
- Problems to solve
- Volunteers to recruit
- Vision to cast
- Resources to raise
- Guests to care for
- Conflict to resolve
- Initiatives to launch
These things require your attention, but don’t get sucked into pouring all your energy there; save some energy for you.
The following 5 “inner readiness indicators” will help you focus on what will truly help you achieve your ministry desires and goals.
5 Inner Readiness Indicators:
1) Anticipation over Uncertainty
We all have areas of uncertainty that we think about, and that’s ok if our anticipation of the future is stronger and more positive than our concern about the unknown.
As a leader, it’s important that you can see the good now and, in the future, no matter how difficult things get.
This allows you to possess authentic anticipation, a sense of looking forward to what’s next, like your ministries, this fall. A leader’s positive vision-focused anticipation of the near future is the beginning of momentum.
You are praying for it, looking for it, anticipating it.
Can you “see” in advance the good that will happen as you and your teams engage the people you serve?
This is the activation of your divine partnership with God.
Anticipating progress toward your vision and life change in people demonstrates your faith that God is with you.
This is not a cousin to “name-it-and-claim-it,” and it doesn’t wipe away difficulties.
It is about trusting God and maintaining a hopeful spirit that mirrors the promise of Scripture.
2) Peace over Anxiety
Anxiety is a subject I write and talk about frequently, primarily because it’s often a topic of honest conversations.
I’m referring to anxiety that is not a clinical, can’t function, debilitating anxiety. It’s what I call (my non-medical term) a “low-grade anxiousness.” On a busy day, you don’t even notice it.
A low-grade anxiousness is when you are quiet and alone with your thoughts and don’t sense a soul-level peace. The remedy begins with slowing down in a regular rhythm to sense God’s presence, power, and peace.
Yes, God is with us when we are on the run, but He ministers to us when we sit quietly with Him.
My new book, Leadership Alone Isn’t Enough: 40 Devotions to Strengthen Your Soul, may be helpful to you.
3) Connected over Distant
Leadership was never intended to be a solo endeavor. Instead, we are designed for community and are responsible for building that community.
How is the team you lead doing?
Do you perceive a strong sense of connectedness among your team, and are you personally connected at a heart level to your team? This is vital to the success of your ministry in the near future.
You can assess connectedness from the experience of closeness, trust, honesty, laughter, and productivity.
This is obviously the opposite of an awareness of distance from your team.
When you are connected at a heart level with your team, you’ll sense a spirit of alignment and moving together in the right direction.
If this is missing…
Here’s where you start.
What one relationship needs your attention this week?
4) Focused and Energized over Distracted
Here’s an example of what I mean.
Your physical condition always intersects with your leadership focus and energy.
Like your physical energy impacts your ability to engage with your family when you get home from work, your physical condition sets the level of your vitality to engage in your leadership fully.
I recently re-injured my right foot. So many miles jogging over many, many years. It’s a major distraction that steals my focus. Pain occupies our thoughts.
It challenges my ability to exercise, which impacts my ability to remain centered. The good news is that it will be temporary. But you get the picture.
What might be distracting you this week or in this season as you lead into the fall?
My illustration is physical, but yours might be very different.
What do you need to tend to remain focused and energized?
5) Organized over scattered
Heading into the fall poised for effective life-changing ministry requires confidence that your personal life and leadership are organized. Scattered, chaotic, and last minute never works well.
I’m usually organized and disciplined, but you’d wonder if you saw my desk at certain times. And I have two offices, so two desks (one at the church and one at home) are sometimes both out of control!
That’s a simple and practical sign that I may need to tighten things up some. I’m not recommending a perfect environment, but clutter doesn’t help you live or lead in an organized way.
Granted, that’s a light illustration, and there are deeper things to be aware of, but you know when you are organized and when you aren’t. Right?
So, are you organized and ready for the fall or scattered?
If you feel scattered. Start by stopping. Stop the crazy by eliminating the things you don’t have to do, and then focus on the critical things the team needs you to do.
Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return once again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.
It’s hard to come by educated people about this topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Thank you, I’ve recently been seeking for facts about this subject matter for ages and yours is the best I have located so far.
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively useful and it has aided me out loads.
I’m hoping to contribute & assist different customers like
its helped me. Good job.
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a information! existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web
page.
I am now not certain the place you are getting your information, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time studying much more or figuring out more.
Thank you for wonderful information I was in search of this information for my mission.
Hi there to every one, the contents existing
at this website are actually amazing for
people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or
advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I desire to read even more things about it!
First off I would like to say excellent blog!
I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do
not mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear
your head before writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there.
I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
Thank you!
Hi to every one, as I am really eager of reading this weblog’s post to be updated on a
regular basis. It includes fastidious material.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday.
It will always be interesting to read content from other writers and practice a little something from other web sites.
Unquestionably imagine that that you stated. Your favourite justification seemed to be on the web the
easiest factor to remember of. I say to you, I certainly get irked even as other people think about issues that they plainly don’t recognize about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as smartly as defined out the whole thing without having side effect ,
other people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more.
Thank you
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did
you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a
few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme.
Cheers
I got this web page from my buddy who informed me concerning this web
page and at the moment this time I am browsing this web page and reading very informative articles
or reviews at this place.
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog website?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast
offered bright clear concept
I have read so many articles or reviews concerning the blogger lovers but this paragraph is genuinely a good article, keep it up.
Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the
other person’s website link on your page at appropriate place
and other person will also do similar in favor of you.
Right here is the perfect website for anyone who wants to find
out about this topic. You understand so much its almost tough
to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that
has been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful!
Hello, I enjoy reading through your article post.
I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
Link exchange is nothing else however it is simply placing the other person’s blog link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do similar in support of you.
Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get
there! Many thanks
Hey there exceptional blog! Does running a blog like this require a lot of work?
I’ve no expertise in coding but I was hoping to start my own blog soon.
Anyway, should you have any recommendations or
tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is
off subject however I simply needed to ask. Thanks a lot!
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be
actually something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the
hang of it!
Hey there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and
personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
Right here is the right site for anybody who would like
to find out about this topic. You understand
a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa).
You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic
that has been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!
Hola! I’ve been following your weblog for a long time now and finally got
the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Lubbock Texas!
Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic job!
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a stuff!
existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this web site.
Currently it looks like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Hi there terrific blog! Does running a blog like this require a great deal of work?
I have absolutely no knowledge of computer programming but I had been hoping
to start my own blog in the near future. Anyways, if you have any suggestions or
techniques for new blog owners please share. I know this is off subject but I just wanted to ask.
Thank you!
This is very attention-grabbing, You are an overly skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking extra
of your wonderful post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my
social networks
Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community
in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to
work on. You have done a wonderful job!
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog.
Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues?
A few of my blog visitors have complained about my
site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
Do you have any advice to help fix this issue?
It’s truly very complex in this active life to listen news on TV, so I only use the
web for that reason, and obtain the newest information.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I
get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s articles or reviews
everyday along with a cup of coffee.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d want to find out some additional
information.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I
thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t
already 😉 Cheers!
hello!,I like your writing so much! proportion we keep in touch extra about your article on AOL?
I require a specialist on this area to solve my problem.
Maybe that is you! Looking ahead to peer you.
Great article, just what I needed.
Hello just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know
a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but
I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different
internet browsers and both show the same outcome.
I read this paragraph completely about the resemblance of
newest and earlier technologies, it’s awesome article.
Appreciating the hard work you put into your blog and
in depth information you present. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that
isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Excellent read!
I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
I have read so many content regarding the blogger lovers however this article is truly a good post, keep
it up.
I am really loving the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility
problems? A number of my blog audience have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?
Wow, this article is good, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of things, therefore I am going to let know her.
My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different website and thought I
should check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
Look forward to exploring your web page again.
I am actually thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic article at
at this time.
Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and
I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend
a good hosting provider at a fair price? Thanks, I appreciate it!
My relatives always say that I am killing my time here
at web, but I know I am getting knowledge every day by reading such nice
posts.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Appreciate the recommendation. Let me try it out.
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am having troubles with your RSS.
I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it.
Is there anyone else getting similar RSS problems?
Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Take care!
Where are your contact details though?
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
Hello, I enjoy reading through your article. I wanted to write a little
comment to support you.
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However think of if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this website could
undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche.
Awesome blog!
Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are
a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community
in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done
a wonderful job!
What’s up, this weekend is nice designed for me, for
the reason that this time i am reading this enormous
educational paragraph here at my home.
Do you have any video of that? I’d like to find out some additional information.
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours
lol
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement?
My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve
either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up
all over the internet without my agreement. Do you
know any techniques to help stop content from being stolen? I’d truly appreciate it.
What’s up, all is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one
is sharing information, that’s really good, keep up writing.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on.
You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
Link exchange is nothing else except it is just placing the
other person’s blog link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same in support
of you.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Hokicoy. Regards
This is the perfect website for everyone who really wants to find out about this topic.
You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually
would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for decades.
Great stuff, just great!
Great information. Lucky me I came across your website by chance (stumbleupon).
I have saved as a favorite for later!
Wow! Finally I got a weblog from where I can actually take useful facts regarding
my study and knowledge.
Great web site you have got here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours nowadays.
I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you
share some stories/information. I know my
audience would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was entirely right.
This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I
had spent for this information! Thanks!