Statistics, people, programs. What do you count?
Healthy church Boards are responsible to monitor the church under their care. They need to know what works and what moves the church closer to the vision. It is critical for Board members, staff and their people to know what is effective and what isn’t producing fruit.
The effective Servant Leader knows his people, just like the shepherd knows his flock. Dr. Kevin Leman in, The Way of the Shepherd, says, “the first principle is to always know the condition of your flock. You have to make a point of knowing not just the status of the work but also the status of your people. You have to really care about your people.”
W. Edwards Deming, the founder of the quality management trend, refers to statistics as “two percent of the work.” “The other 98 percent, Deming believed, involved basic changes in the ways people are recognized.” (The Fifth Discipline by Peter M. Serge)
We know that what gets measured, gets done. As your church moves toward ‘Health’, note these monitors and find a balance that works for you. In my coaching and training with Pastors and church leaders, I divide measurements into two categories. Both categories are important, but each church Board needs to decide what is effective in their church.
Nickels and noses:
- Attendance at various programs
- % of weekend attendance involved and volunteering
- Finances sufficient to balance the budget and prepare for the future
- Are your people bringing their friends?
Heart issues are measured through actions.
- What impact is your church having on your community?
- How do your people demonstrate a transformed life?
- Do an annual confidential survey asking people how many Bible verses they can quote with references and how many are consistent with a daily quiet and devotional time.
- How many of your people are disciple makers?
- What is your training plan to develop leaders for multiplying disciples
Leadership is counting what counts.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com