(Plus a Freebie!)
We live in a world of information overload.
As a ministry leader, I often feel like I can’t keep up with all the information I’m expected to stay up on.
Do you ever feel that way?
Cultural trends, new ministry styles, scriptural & theological truths, the newest worship songs, how to communicate, how to navigate conflict, how to recruit volunteers…. – you get the picture. Sometimes, it can feel more than overwhelming.
While being a leader who learns is SO important, how do we choose WHAT to learn?
Because we have limited time, limited resources, and limited brain power, we have to choose what really matters and focus our learning on those areas.
After several years of trying to learn EVERYTHING I could about EVERY TOPIC imaginable, I’ve chosen to focus my learning on three areas.
I’m convinced that if, as a leader, you choose to focus your time and energy on growing and learning in these three areas, your ministry will be be better because of it!
The first area is culture.
I believe we need to be aware of what’s happening in the world of kids and families around us.
Do you know what are kids interested in?
What are kids being exposed to?
What is the world around us looking like these days?
This is an area that is always changing, always fluid – so we need to very intentionally commit to learning in this area.
If we want to effectively connect with kids and families, we need to understand the world they are living in.
The second area is methods and skill.
How can we improve our skills in ministry and leadership?
This is so important!
Learning about methods and skills will look slightly different for everyone.
Maybe you’ll focus your learning on an area you’re very aware you need improvement in – like time management or communication.
Maybe you have something new you’re involved in – like running a school outreach or a digital ministry. You need to take time to study and learn about the best way to do this!
Or maybe it’s something you’re just interested in and wanting to try – take the time to learn about that area of ministry.
The third area is discipleship.
As leaders, we are deeply involved in the spiritual development of others.
We are actively discipling and guiding the next generation, parents and our leaders and volunteers.
This means we need to constantly be investing in our own spiritual development. As a leader, we need to be growing deeper in our own relationship with God.
I believe if you are a ministry leader – whether to kids, youth or adults – you are a “theologian in residence” for the families you serve.
That means we need to keep our skills, minds and relationship with Jesus vibrant and alive!
Maybe you’re asking now – okay, so where do I start?
How can I learn in these areas?
Next week, I’ll share a post on how to find great learning opportunities, but for today, I want to share this FREE list of my favourite resources for learning in each of these areas!
You can download it by clicking the button below (no strings attached!)