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EIGHT PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINES TO STRENGTHEN
YOUR MINISTRY
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1. PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE READING: Start everyday with devotions so that your ministry is rooted in a closeness to Christ.
2. VISITING: Visit a minimum of three families per week so that you can affirm, encourage, inform and invite. All ministry is built on the particular lives of particular people.
3. CHRISTIAN GIVING: Get a hold of your personal finances and give leadership in serious Christian giving. On a three year cycle see that your parish tells its story to every member and challenges them to serious Christian giving. Move away from a reliance on fund raisers, and gimmicks that trivialize the Gospel. Challenge people to new life priorities.
4. COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE: Send newsletters to all your families monthly, send flyers to all the homes in your area quarterly, and maybe even add special publications for target groups such as, teens.
5. ANSWER THE PHONE: Don't use your machines for electronic hiding so that you can always answer at your convenience and on your terms! Let people know when you will be available to take calls. Those incoming calls are your parish's future, so steward them well.
6. BUILD A TEAM: Jesus knew that exceptional people are the base upon which exceptional mission is built. Go personally and ask exceptional people to take on exceptional tasks. Never plead for volunteers from the front of the church.
7. HONOUR YOUR PARTNERS: Work closely with your Bishop and promote the work of your diocese and the wider church. Strive to overcome congregationalism and the "them and us" mentality. Build an atmosphere of generosity, caring, and partnership.
8. PRACTICE BREVITY AND CLARITY: Inspirational leaders find these two virtues to be good friends. They reflect the urgency and importance of the Gospel message. Worship leadership is the best place to start putting them to use.
Item XV
©1999 Ronald C. Ferris
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