Starting your ministry is a huge step. You’ll get started and learn that change is a normal part of growth. Communicating change in your ministry is delicate, especially when it creates changes in the life of other people. You start with a vision and God always reframes how He wants it done.
The need to make changes is a normal part of leading a ministry. Communicating with people involved is delicate, but it has to be done.
Here are a few tips to help you communicate change in your ministry.
- Be careful what you tell. Every detail is not a concern for everyone. The more your ministry grows, the more careful you should be about sharing intimate details. People get their feelings hurt easily. The changes you make in your ministry influence people personally and even spiritually. Be honest, keep people encouraged, and handle the tough decisions in the company of a select few close individuals.
- Be honest in your communication. If you have a money problem, tell them as soon as you know there’s a problem. If a relationship is strained, let the person know that the strained relationship is taking a toll on the ministry and you would like to make changes to help all people involved. Some changes will hurt, but they are still necessary. Whatever you have in place when you start WILL change. It’s up to you to manage the changes in a manner that keeps the ministry growing.
- Consider the timing of your communication. Avoid giving tough news in the middle of a celebration and major event. The end of the year, end of the week/month is a good time to communicate change.
- Give hints that change is coming. Let your people see the same numbers that you see. Tell them what matters and discuss the ministry goals. When a decision is made, it doesn’t have to be a surprise. When people know the goals and culture of the ministry, it’s easier to understand why certain decisions are made.
- Don’t delay unnecessarily. Delaying a decision for change is costly. If you know a certain person or situation will not work in your ministry, don’t keep it going just to avoid conflict or hurting feelings. Pray about it, wait for the proper timing, and say what has to be said. The goal of your ministry and what God has called you to accomplish is always top of the agenda (other that major life-altering events that require your attention and care).
- Share the ministry goals and commitments regularly. Let people see you making regular adjustments to keep the ministry in line with the goals and the plan that God has given you. People will better understand when a decision is made if they know the ministry goals and commitments.
When you start your ministry, you have an idea about how you will grow. Whatever you are thinking, it will look different when it happens. The big idea may stay the same, but the road to growth will change. Communicating change in your ministry is a part of the process.
Ministry begins after you feel a call from God and you set out to honor Him and do what He places on your heart. It’s a process that takes you through many twists and turns. When you keep your eyes on God and make adjustments when needed, he will get you to the place where He wants you to go.
The Extra Life Marketplace Ministry is honored to be a part of our journey.
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