GinaMcClain.com

As I’ve walked through the past two weeks getting acclimated to my new role at Faith Promise Church, it’s been a great reminder as a leader to understand the rhythms of culture.

Every church has its own culture.  And culture dictates a lot of decisions.

Coming from an organization like LifeChurch.tv, I’m accustomed to a culture heavily reliant on video as a method of teaching.  Much of what I know about structuring & equipping volunteers is centered around utilizing video elements as tools to teach and connect with kids.

Entering an organization like Faith Promise, I’m learning a culture more influenced by performing arts.  Faith Promise has a vast base of talented staff & volunteers that create powerful live drama elements for their worship experiences.  This is as true in kids ministry as it is in adults.

So, as a leader, it’s my role to adjust what I know about kidmin systems, volunteer recruiting & leadership development to fit the culture in which I’m leading.

The venue is different, but the principles are the same.

would you help me?  would you be part of a small #kidmin group (8 max) and brainstorm with me?

the duration: 4 weeks

the method: google groups

(what was I thinking!?!  blame it on a temporary lapse in judgment.  it totally makes sense to hold this forum at cmconnect.org.  if you don’t have a membership there… well… you should. )

the goal: share ideas on when AND how we can create pardigm shifts within our families

the why: because we know that parents will go to great lengths for their child.  the question isn’t IF they’re willing to sacrifice time, money and resources for their kids.  the question is WHAT they’re willing to sacrifice time, money and resources on.

as stated in this post, i’m more interested in shifting mom/dad’s paradigm than creating exciting events for their kids.  but creating a paradigm-shifting culture is easier said than done.  let’s talk about it.

#kidmin think tank project will begin Sept 1st.

interested?

intrigued?

the first 8 to comment below creates the team

**We’ve got our team.  Thank you to all for the responses.  Can’t wait to see what God does.  Look for more Think Tank’s in the future**

1.  Ride the wave: In surfing, you don’t create a wave.  You wait for it to come then you ride it as long as you can.  Ministry opportunities come in waves.  You don’t create them.  They naturally happen.

There are natural times when people are looking to plug in…

• August/September when school begins and people are ready for a normal schedule again
• January when people are comtemplating  lifestyle change
• At the peak of a Vision message series

Be the surfer that recognizes when these waves naturally form.  Get prepared to ride the wave as it crests.

2.  Focus on the vision… not the need: Your team will focus on that which you focus.  If you’re focused on the ‘holes’ in your volunteer team then what comes out of your mouth is all about the holes.  Remain focused on the vision and everything you share will come from that angle.

Attract people with the need, you gain someone willing to fill the need… for a time.

Attract people with the vision, you gain someone willing to fight for that vision.

3.  Clear the path: Have a clear path to begin volunteering.  That path should be simple and obvious.

Ask yourself if the average ‘Joe’ knows how they initiate the process to begin serving.  Answer the 4 W’s.

• Who do I talk to?
• Where do I go?
• What do I do?
• When do I do it?

If you don’t have the answers to these questions written down, then you don’t have a clear path in place.