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7 Practices for Effective Ministry

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Liberty theological seminary

seven practices of effective ministry

A Book critique submitted to
Dr. Terry Faulkenbury
In PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR evan 510

Master of divinity

by edmund johnson

lynchburg, virginia
January 30, 2015

Bibliography
Stanley, Andy, et al. 7 Pratices of Effective Ministry. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2004.

Summary
7 Practices of Effective Ministry is a book written by Andy Stanley, which outlines steps to be taken or practiced by ministry leaders in order to have an effective ministry. It outlines areas in the ministry and accentuates solutions to issues that most church ministries fail to grasp; as they (Church ministries) endeavor to carry out day to day operations of their ministries. Stanley utilized the concept of a baseball team in an attempt to convey his message through his work with the North Point Community Church. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of practicing effective avenues to invigorate the ministry. Furthermore, he outlines seven steps which he calls, clarify the win, think steps not program, narrow the focus, teach less for more, listen to outsiders, replace yourself, and work on it. It (steps) is a template when implemented accordingly will energize all facets of a ministry.
This book contains two parts. In the first part which is labeled Getting in the Game: Ray’s Story, contains nine (9) chapters. Chapter one thru chapter three alludes to clarifying what the goal and accomplishment is. Stanley calls it clarifying the win. In clarifying the win it should become paramount to the leader where he/she wants to accomplish within the framework of the entire team. Chapter four (4) which is labeled “getting on base” refers to devising a way to get to where you would like to be and taking those steps required to get to your target destination. Stanley encourages the leader to think about steps not program. Taking steps incrementally and broken down into manageable strategic steps result in making the accomplishment sought and is easier to handle. Chapter five (5) staying focus is the third practice of narrowing your focus to a specific endeavor. Moreover, it frees the leader up to do more and become efficient in the specific endeavor. Teaching the fundamentals in chapter six (6) is geared towards practice #4 which is teaching less for more. The practice of teaching less for more allow for the right information to be filtered down to those that would be effecting the task or steps to accomplishing the goal. Simply said, it is keeping it simple. Chapter seven (7) the roar of the crowd leads to practice #5 listen to outsiders. It is imperative that a leader understands the desire of those he/she wishes to reach externally. Chapter eight (8) developing talent which is practice #6 replace yourself alludes to having a succession plan for a time when you are incapacitated or having others ready to continue the mission. There is a time and a season for everything (Eccles. 3:1). Chapter nine (9) Managing your way to victory alludes to practice #7 work on it and refers to being able to observe from a distance to actually find out when there is a problem from within. How can one know what is wrong when they are a part of the problem?
Many reasons why as part two of the book is observed Stanley gives a clear picture of those practices alluded to in part 1 and the result from utilizing them in the everyday life of the believer. He calls part II “putting the 7 practices to work”. Stanley said “the 7 practices for effective ministry are not church growth principles” and he is right. They are principle for all to practice in each facet of life. Therefore, if the goal is not clear each member of the team interprets what is expected and that is difficult for a winning expectation. Moreover, when there is a clear direction, all will be on the same page making the goal more manageable. Therefore, thinking steps and not programs make it simple to follow where the goal is through these simple steps that are clear and visible to each member. Furthermore, simplifying the steps allow each member to be focused on the goal. Moreover, it is important to only give information that is pertinent and simplified to reaching the target. The teach less for more concept, is one that is conducive for each team member to fully grasp what is expected. As these concepts are implemented it is further important to look at the conditions outside the church and imagine how one would feel if he/she was in the position of the unchurched. Therefore, it is important to listen to those that are outside for information that will help the ministry in reaching its goal. It is important to garner information from other organizations who are also reaching outsider. Stanley concludes with informing readers and leaders about the importance of practicing and incorporating within your steps the art of teaching your volunteers to recruit individuals who would be able to take on the mantle after you are not available. Replacing yourself is essential to the continued growth of the ministry. When all is said and done allow yourself to walk away creating margin to refresh and rejuvenate yourself. Moreover, it is necessary to step away to gain an insight of the progress or lack thereof in your ministry. Stanley, states “sometimes it is hard to smell something if you are surrounded by it every day”.
Critique
Dr. Stanley has done a marvelous job in bringing home what Jesus taught and did in His ministry that has proven successful. Although, it is written in the context of a baseball team organizational structure and concept, it sends out a message that to be successful in ministry, practicing the 7 steps is a sure way to at least be able to measure and determine what is necessary for effectively carrying out the word of God. This is an extremely must have information for a struggling ministry and for a ministry that wishes to improve in how it does work in the vineyard of Christ. There is not much to disagree about in this book even though it speaks in terms of a baseball organization. However, it challenges me to incorporate these 7 practices into my daily life and not only the organization. Furthermore, it has made vivid how to remain relevant, attain longevity yet relinquishing leadership to others, and improving a focus to a more excellent way of doing less but getting more from the strategic efforts. It does make it clear of steps to follow and not program because one size does not fit all. Taking steps give a clear indication of growth or like thereof. As I began to comprehend the message of this book it reminded me of what I need to do today to make the effort to reach others with my ministry. I am beginning to look at taking little steps. I never realized that it is important what others outside desired. I always thought they all needed one thing and it was being offered in the church. I have come to realize now that I must seek to know what an outsider thinks. I am finally going to consider margin as a way of rejuvenating myself to avoid burnout.
Evaluation
To conclude, I am inclined to utilize a baseball lingo. Stanley has hit a home run with his 7 steps of effective ministry. Many churches are struggling today because of the lack of direction and are not inclined to find out what is necessary for effectiveness and growth. This book if read and practiced gives one an advantage of not failing in ministry. Bravo Dr. Stanley!

--------------------------------------------
[ 1 ]. Stanley, Andy, et al. 7 Practices of Effective Ministry (Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2004), 10-11
[ 2 ]. Ibid.,66
[ 3 ]. Ibid.,151
[ 4 ]. Ibid.,174

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