Puddle, Swamp or Well?

I received the following in an email this week.

When you’re thinking about developing a new product or ministry, it’s essential that you find out two things: 1) How widespread is the public’s interest in it? 2) How deep is that interest? If interest is not widespread and not very deep, you’re looking at a puddle. Never invest time or money in a puddle. If interest is widespread but not very deep, you’re looking at a swamp. Be careful of swamps. They look like oceans at first because everyone is interested. Many have gone broke when what looked like a swamp turned out to be an ocean. If interest is wide and deep, you’re looking at an ocean. But you’re going to need a platform on which to navigate your ocean. If you don’t have a platform, you’ll drown. And you’re going to need a plan or you’ll drift. If public interest is narrow but deep, you’ve got a well. Don’t underestimate it. You can draw a lot of water from a well.
Monday Morning Memo 7/9/07

As I reflect there have been many times that I got muddled in a "swamp." I listened to a few voices that clamored for a particular program, then after I launched it I found that they weren't very committed to making it happen, so it got bogged down and failed.
It is like when I go to the Dentist and am reminded to floss. Generally, it sounds like a good idea and I don't have any strong objections to it, but I am not committed to it enough to make it happen on a regular basis.
Ministry leaders can find themselves stuck in the swamp if we try to carry out good ideas that are not backed by depth of commitment.

Facilitating Lively Discussions

As a small-group leader, how you respond to group members' inquiries is important to the life of any discussion. What you say and do when they pose a question either enhances or stifles further group interaction.

Check out the link below for some very practical advice in make others comfortable to share their thoughts.

Link to Facilitating Lively Discussions | Building Small Groups

4 Doors of Change

I just found this article that is a great reminder. Here are the bullet points and a link to the full article.

• The key to a change of mind is information.
• The key to a change of attitude is relationship.
• The key to a change of lifestyle is experiences.
• The key to a change of culture is commitment.

I don't know how many times I've failed at changing attitudes and lifestyles because I tried to open those doors with information. 

Link to 4 Doors of Change - BuildingChurchLeaders.com

The Cost of Christian Education

 I send a "Weekly Encourager" to all our Sunday School teachers and Small Group leaders. Some Christian Educators view these as competing roles. I think they are complimentary and both are only part of the Christian Education process. Read below for some thoughts about the best way to educate believers. At the bottom of this post is a link to the whole article.

The thought of watching my youngest pick up her high school diploma tomorrow has started me pondering education—in our nation and in the church.

I've been concerned about both, and I'm hardly alone. Teachers, students, parents, and administrators all can wax eloquent about the problems of public education. And anyone who has taught Sunday school knows that the joy of being with children during that hour is accompanied by concern about what exactly is being accomplished. In many churches, Sunday school feels like baby-sitting with a lesson attached.

Sensing a problem, we've created other venues to educate children—VBS, AWANAs, and so forth. Mostly, the church tells parents (rightly!) it is their "teaching" that ultimately matters the most. Yikes! This sends a bolt of fear through every parent's heart. I have a seminary degree, and I can tell you that I was often clueless about how exactly to teach my children about the faith.

Source: The Cost of Christian Education | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

I recently read a book that asks “Do you preach because you love Jesus or do you preach because you love preaching?” OUCH!!
I must honestly admit that over the years my purpose has shifted back and forth between a love for our Savior and a love for what He has called me to do. Any time you deal with people there will be encouragements and discouragements, times when you will love what you do and times when you question if you should keep doing it.
We are approaching the end of the Christian Education year and you are most likely fatigued and asking yourself if you should continue. I have a few suggestions.
1. Ask yourself “What has God done in my life through my role this past year?”
2. Ask yourself “Has God ever failed me in my role this year?”
3. Thank God for the opportunities He has given you to rely on Him for strength, ideas, wisdom, patience, etc.
I think Sean’s illustration yesterday of losing focus and ending up in the river (if you didn’t hear the story, check out the audio file on the church website) is applicable to all of us. As the educational year closes, now is an opportunity to regain perspective and focus. I love the song “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus.” If you are unaware of the song, the chorus says “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
I have spent the last couple of days focusing upon God for who He is (not just what He does) and have been refreshed and energized in some amazing ways. I wish for you the same.