Free Essay

7 Practices for Effective Ministry

In:

Submitted By ejohnson15
Words 1316
Pages 6
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

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Capital Budgeting & Saving

...funds appropriated by Parliament and, equally importantly, the results which are expected to be achieved in terms of the achievement of goals of public sector activity and the benefits expected to accrue to different population groups from the activities of the Federal Government. The publication of the Green Book marks a major step forward in enhancing the transparency of the federal budget.” The Preface highlights the innovative features of the Green Book in the following words: (a) The Green Book uses the 3-year framework for budgetary planning which lies at the heart of the MTBF reforms. Under this process ministries make their plans and prepare budgetary estimates for a rolling 3-year budgetary horizon. (b) The centerpiece of the Green Book is the breakdown of each ministry or division’s budget by “Outputs”. Outputs represent major lines of service delivery of each ministry. [This makes] it easier for Parliament and other stakeholders to assess whether the public is achieving value for money through the federal budget. (c) [W]hile for accounting purposes, the government budget is divided between the recurrent budget and the...

Words: 6030 - Pages: 25

Premium Essay

1234

...organization’s ability to fulfill its mission. -they work with to create the most effective, strong, and healthy boards possible to serve the organizations that they lead. -The chapters provide a brief overview of the best practice and its relationship to board development. -Join this journey of exploring the best practices of strong and effective boards. guiding the reader from a solid starting point of development by establishing role, purpose and function of the board to knowing and communicating the organization’s mission, vision and values. -Board members intentionally and routinely engage in mutual accountability, communication, evaluations and board development while taking the necessary time to process decisions eliminating unnecessary surprises. Boards unite and resolve to work together through change and transitions for the good of the Kingdom, the advance of the Gospel, and the prosperity of the organization. -to exhibit generosity as board members and to be outstanding examples of giving regularly and sacrificially to the church, college or organizations they serve in order to establishment a culture of board development that embraces the principle of “passing it on,” by developing new board participants that will lead to a strong and healthy future for the organization. - as a board member or as leader of an organization can take your present board environment and develop it into an effective, efficient, functioning board to the health and success of your organization...

Words: 739 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Community Health Nursing

...meets the changing health and social needs of society. The rewards to the profession and the community include personalized and case specific localized care, health program implementation, and guiding improved social trends at the ‘coal face’. Community based nursing is now at the forefront of social awareness and this important benefit is discussed throughout this essay. This essay focuses on the importance of community based nursing to the profession looking at aspects such as the role’s expanded influence on social trends, analysis, palliative care, outreach to vulnerable groups, and program implementation to the wider community. These functions in combination play a key role in ensuring this aspect of the nursing profession is effective in prevention and in tune with society’s needs. Community based nursing comprises several fields of expertise, including community health, public health, home health, and community mental health nursing. This essay looks at the collective benefits of these and the resulting influence brought to patients and the medical profession. The link between community nursing and progression of the medical profession in targeting the broader population is discussed, including community health education targeting vulnerable groups[2]. The following sections...

Words: 1651 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Balaning the System

...2015 Balancing The Justice System Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General This page is intentionally blank. Introduction The justice system is under increasing pressure from several sources. We are faced with a unique opportunity in responding to that pressure. We can continue to respond as individual program areas and Divisions within the Ministry, focused on the narrow legislative and constitutional sources of our respective authority and duties, or we can create a new framework and process that will bring a systematic and integrated approach to the administration of justice, and balance to the allocation of resources within that system. Such an approach would be centered on the Ministry Vision - to create the most innovative “The mission of the Ministry of and accessible citizen-centred justice system in Canada. Justice and Solicitor General is to ensure Albertans have safe The historical development of the role of the Attorney General communities and an accessible, and Justice Department illustrate the ad hoc development of effective and innovative justice the justice system. From its inception in 1905, the scope of the system. We accomplish this by both the office of the Attorney General and the Justice working with partners to provide a Department have evolved over time as new duties and continuum of services to support responsibilities have been added. This expansion has not been Albertans and the Government of planned or coordinated...

Words: 3023 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Environmental Accounting

...Environmental Accounting Management Practices in Japan COURSE: INTERNATIONAL MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING(C31IM) MOHAMMED MUBEER.C HOO175198 Contents 1. Introduction: What is Environmental Management Accounting (EMA)? 3 1.1 Environmental Accounting 3 1.2 Environment-related Management Accounting 3 2. Environmental Accounting Management Practices in Japan 4 2.1 Japanese Government Initiatives on Environment Accounting 5 2.1.1 MOE Initiative 5 2.1.2 METI Initiative 6 2.2 Environmental Management Accounting Practices in Japanese Manufacturing Sites 7 3. Conclusion 8 Bibliography 10 1. Introduction: What is Environmental Management Accounting (EMA)? Organizations and the managers mainly believe that the environmental costs are not important for the business operations, however, it does not come to their mind that there are several production costs which do have vital environmental component. For example the purchase cost of raw materials or the unused portion which is emitted as waste is not considered to be environmentally related cost. By identifying as well as controlling these environmental costs, using Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) Systems, it can help environmental managers justify the cleaner production and along with this justify totally new methods of saving money as well as improving their environmental performance also at the same time (Magarinos, 2005) . Thus EMA can be defined as: “ EMA serves business managers in making capital...

Words: 2932 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Essential Activity

...ACTIVITY OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY? Submitted to Dr. D. P. Moosbrugger DSMN-500 – Discipleship Ministry Jacqueline Thornton Bryan, TX May 26, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………1 EDUCATION, DISCIPLESHIP, AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION…………………..1 CHURCH MINISTRY PRIORITY……………………………………………………..4 WORSHIP CONNECTION…………………………………………………………….5 CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………6 BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………………7 Introduction As a youth leader working with different age groups, the question of what constitutes the essential activity of Christian ministry is a critic alone. The drive can be to simply educate about the Bible in a Christian setting, to drive spiritual foundation or to nurture discipleship of Jesus Christ. What is really important is to establish what really separates these theories or whether there is significant similarity. While many answers about education have been developed and published by nonspiritual authors, finding answers in the Christian setting require a rather different considerations as the spiritual aspect is a part. God is difficult to comprehend in scientific evaluation, however we can evaluate answers to the quest for an answer based on what Scripture teaches. In Chapter 1 of our text Mitchell states “Jesus expected his disciples to follow him, experience life change, and participate in something remarkable” (p 3). So in order to evaluate the statement “The essential activity of Christian ministry” we much follow...

Words: 1768 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Secret Prayer

...gives us. This book is about influence and how prayer can better enable and position us to be better influences in the world. To lead better, we must pray better. Earley uses “Nine Prayer Disciplines of High-Impact Spiritual Leaders” to serve as the framework of his book. In chapter 1, entitled Value the Power of Prayer, Earley elaborates on the dynamic power that is found in prayer. Earley says, “If you want to maximize your impact, prioritize your prayer life” (Earley, 1). Earley starts off with a startling stat, that “the average pastor prays only seven minutes a day.” (Earley,1). Earley’s main point in this chapter is that a prioritized prayer life leads to a better ministry. Prayer, according to Earley, saves time (p. 6), reaches anywhere, anytime (p. 6), and the determining factor (p.7). Prayer is the difference between a...

Words: 2047 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Youth Reflection Pape

...Jason Phillips 11/7/12 Youth Ministries Case Study This case study examines the Youth Ministries program of three Youth Ministries in Mobile, Alabama. The goal of this study is to exam the structure, vision, and effectiveness of each individual Youth Ministry. This study will compare and contrast Youth Ministries from different denominations as well as different group sizes. This study will serve to establish a working template for effective Youth Ministry. Results Youth Ministry 1: North Mobile Baptist Exit 15 Youth Ministries When you first walk into Exit 15 Youth Ministries of North Mobile Baptist church you gain an understanding of the style of ministry they are trying to accomplish. From the Café’ to the game stations, the lounge area and the large room decorated with a post modern flare, you gain a sense that this ministry has a progressive approach to ministry. The large stage is filled with instruments and concert style lighting. This gives you an idea of the passion they have for a dynamic worship experience. Students are interacting with each other at the game stations and in the lounge area. This allows you to see the intentional effort to connect students together in relationship. First time guests are greeted at the front door with friendly youth and staff. This group leads the first time guest to a registration table where you fill out your contact information. After filling out your information you are then shown around the room and introduced...

Words: 2927 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Planning in Monitoring and Evaluation

...Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a US non-governmental organization that has been operating in Vietnam for more than 15 years. CRS projects assist local counterparts to build capacity in the areas of Education, HIV/AIDS care and treatment, Emergency preparedness and response. Reflecting our commitment to carry out quality programming to benefit the poor, we are now seeking dynamic Vietnamese candidates for two positions for our Inclusive Education Program based in Ha Noi: Title: Inclusive Education Monitoring and Evaluation Officer    Reports to: IVWD project manager Supervision: Not applicable PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Monitoring and Education (M&E) Officer will work closely with the Inclusive Education team to design and implement an effective and efficient monitoring, evaluation, documentation and reporting systems in support of inclusive education projects, including ”Inclusion of Vietnamese with Disabilities (IVWD)” and “Capacity Building for Parent Associations supporting Children with Disabilities (CBPA).” In addition, this position will serve as Project Officer for CBPA, responsible for facilitating planning, implementation, monitoring, financial tracking, and partner coordination for CBPA. Efforts will be divided between IVWD and CBPA based project needs. This position is based in Ha Noi with at least 30% travel to project sites. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: - M&E project officer to the IVWD project - Lead the development of M&E folders, including M&E schedule...

Words: 1737 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Divine

...r Divine-Human Synergism in Ministry Dennis Bratcher A paper presented to the Breckenridge Conference on Clergy Preparation I. Introduction II. Synergism: A Biblical and Theological Base III. The Church's Mission and Ministry: A Recovery of Balance IV. Divine-Human Synergism in Ministry Footnotes Bibliography I. Introduction The Issue In Context The Church In this series of conferences begun last year, we are in process of reflecting on the direction and focus of the ministry and ministerial training in the Church of the Nazarene as our community of faith moves into the twenty-first century. We have attempted to approach our task from two complimentary perspectives, caricatured last year as the "field" of hands-on work and the "realm" of reflective inquiry (although I think there are serious problems inherent in such an artificial dichotomy of responsibilities). -1-  From our initial attempts, it has become obvious that we face a multiplicity of issues in such an endeavor. The range and diversity of these issues arise partly from the variety of theological, historical, and practical concerns operating with each of us as individuals and partly from the assumptions and perspectives imported from particular arenas of ministry. One common element that keeps reappearing in various forms is the issue of the nature and mission of the Church. This issue is not unique to our enterprise in these conferences, as the new eleventh Article of Faith on...

Words: 14067 - Pages: 57

Premium Essay

Code of Ethics Final

...Code of Ethics OMM640: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Instructor: Erika O'Quinn 5/26/2014 Code of Ethics Perry's Outreach Ministries is a Christian non-profit organization that relies on government funding, and donations from members of the community. Perry's Outreach Ministries provides,counseling, non-perishable food items,clothing housing vouchers and childcare to the battered and abused women and children throughout the community. The overall mission of POM is to minister Gods word through Bible study, professionalism,participants rights to privacy, reliability,honesty and counseling services. The primary mission of the human service profession is to assist in the betterment of human life and necessaties of all people who may be viewed as vulnerable,oppressed, and living in poverty and unsafe environments. When dealing with the community it I crucial that a code of ethics is set into place where not only the employees but the volunteers follow and take seriously. A code of ethics for POM employee's and representatives: Employee's should obtain eduction about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical disability. Employee's and volunteers should treat colleagues and program participants with respect and refrain...

Words: 3340 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Training Analysis Paper an Evaluation of the Training Program of Foundations for Christian Leadership

...Training Analysis Paper An Evaluation of the training program of Foundations for Christian Leadership -------------------------------------------- A Paper Submitted to Dr. Steve Hoke ------------------------------------------------- In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for Doctor of Ministry Class LE812 ------------------------------------------- By Sarlito A. Sampan International Graduate School of Leadership Metro Manila, Philippines January 8, 2009 Training Analysis Paper An Evaluation of the Training Program of FCL TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 2 Brief History of FCL 4 Analysis using Holland’s Two track Analogy 6 The FCL Analysis based on the 4 Components of Holland’s Model 8 The Input 8 The In-Ministry experience 9 The Cross-Ties dynamic Reflection 10 The Ballast Formation 11 Training Analysis: Which Components should be in Focus 12 Incoming participants 13 Total Training Process 14 Summary 16 Selected Bibliography 18 Appendix 19 Training Analysis Paper An Evaluation of the training program of FCL Introduction I choose to evaluate the program use by the Foundations for Christian Leadership or more known as FCL for I work directly with this organization. I have been with this program...

Words: 5666 - Pages: 23

Free Essay

Rukunnegara

...local quarrel flared into a racial clash | |16 May 1969 |The Yang di-Pertuan Agong(YDA) declared a state of |Special Ordinance (Special powers) Emergency, 1969 | | |emergency. Parliament was suspended. NOC was formed. |Curfew enforced | | | |Assemblies banned | | | |Security controls tightened | |August-Dec 1969 |Special Peace and Development bodies formed: |Later combined to form the Ministry of National Unity | | |National Muhibah Committee | | | |National Unity Department | | |29 Jan 1970 |National Consultative/Unity Council was formed |Advisory body for National Operations Council (NOC) | | |Special Rukun Negara committee was setup |Formulated normative guidance and set of values for unity | |31 August 1970 |Rukun Negara as National Ideology was formalized |Declaration by YDA on Malaysia’s 13th Independence Anniversary|...

Words: 10054 - Pages: 41

Premium Essay

Cyber Security Act

...4Department of Information Technology Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Government of India Electronics Niketan, Lodhi Road New Delhi – 110003 Discussion draft on National Cyber Security Policy “For secure computing environment and adequate trust & confidence in electronic transactions ” Your comments/feedback on this document are most welcome. Please send your valuable comments/feedback by 15 May 2011 to Dr Gulshan Rai, Director General, CERT-In, at the at the above address or on email id ‘grai@mit.gov.in’ Discussion draft Department Of Information Technology National Cyber Security Policy “For secure computing environment and adequate trust & confidence in electronic transactions ” Contents 1.0 Security of Cyber Space – Strategic perspective 1.1 IT as an engine for economic growth and prosperity 1.2 Security of cyber space - Need for action 1.3 Target audience 1.4 Securing cyber space – Key policy considerations 2.0 Cyber space – Nature of threat 2.1 Threat landscape 2.2 International cooperation 2.3 Securing cyber space – Scope of action 2.3.1 Cyber security and cyber defense 2.3.2 Cyber intelligence and cyber defense 2.4 Priorities for action 2.5 Partnership and collaborative efforts 3.0 Enabling processes 3.1 Security threat and vulnerability management 3.2 Security threat early warning and response 3.3 Security best practices - compliance and assurance 3.4 Security crisis management plan for countering cyber attacks and cyber terrorism...

Words: 7888 - Pages: 32

Free Essay

Religious

.... Let us pray for more active engagement of churches and individuals in reaching the unreached through our Bless the 13 campaign. 2. Pray for the screening of applicant workers. May we enforce our team in all people groups we are serving and raise teams to reach the Magan Maw people groups. 3. A new excitement is is felt in cross –cultural work in Sapa are w/ the coming in of new workers, Pray for continuing in effective team work and fruitful labors. 4. Economic pressures through financial assistance often can reach even remote areas. Pray that believers can be steadfast should there be pressures. 5. Lets pray for the discipleship of growing number of a big believers and the Development of indigenous reproducing Leaders among them. 6. Huge Development Fund from Neighbors organization in Kabig areas is attractive to many, Pray for the believers to be steadfast in their faith amidst economic pressures. 7. Please pray that God would spark up church multiplication movement the Sabang. Pray for the effective equipping of reproducing indigenous Leaders. 8. A believing Sabang is a testimony of transformed and blissful life in the community. Pray that more Sabang people will know Jesus through their witness. 9. Let us pray for the progress of the work among the Yan. May the workers abound in wisdom and creativity toward fruitful cross, Cultural work. 10. Development funds from a neighbor’s organization is humored to come in Irau area. Pray for believers to...

Words: 664 - Pages: 3