There’s enormous pressure on pastoral team members, support staff and key volunteers to change and adapt the way they do ministry. The ability to sustain quality and momentum will be dependent on your team’s health; something you need to continue to cultivate.
1) Take Time to Celebrate
Senior leaders are often “summiters”, they reach a goal and keep on climbing, not realizing that some of their team following them are wheezing, in need of oxygen or sliding back down the mountain. During rapid change, adaptation and new expectations, take time with your team, support staff and volunteers weekly to celebrate what’s gone well, evaluate what can be better and omit the ineffective.
2) Clearly Communicate
When things are moving quickly, communication is the first thing to go. Over communicate the mission, the objectives and the goals to everyone on your team who you expect to deliver on the outcomes. Anyone out of the communication loop can’t meet expectations they don’t know about.
3) Share the Praise
If your church has done something that others have appreciated, been impacted by or been inspired – share this with your team. Let them know that their hard work has touched a life, made Jesus known and been a bright light to someone.
What will you celebrate with your team this week?
Connie Jakab is a creative church leader, entrepreneur, church planter, and coach. She has worked in full-time church ministry in East Vancouver and has served as the Children's Ministry Director for the BCYD PAOC District. She works on reaching people on the fringes, such as the artistic and LGBTQ2+ community. She and her husband are restoring “HOME” with their company, The Jakab Co., where they renovate houses while coaching marriages and parents. She is also the author of the Bring Them Closer Series and works within schools to reimagine mental health for youth.