"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and
take up their cross and follow me. - Mark 8:34

Evaluating Important Decisions
We generally make our best decisions when we take time to gather information from a variety of sources and a variety of perspectives.  Edward De Bono’s “6 Thinking Hats” serves as a tool to help leaders broaden their perspective and make more informed decisions.  Listed below is an overview of his “6 hats” thinking process along with a few typical questions one might ask.

Evaluating Using WHO, WHAT, WHERE,WHY, WHEN and HOW Questions
This is another basic tool I frequently use with congregations to help them explore the launch of a new program or ministry.  I often use this method to discern if this ministry fits their overall vision, and if the timing is right is appropriate:

• WHY are we doing considering this? (What is the purpose? How does it fulfill our mission?)
• WHERE is this leading us? (Is it helping us live into our vision?)
• WHO are we seeking to serve? (Who are we planning to serve? What are their needs?)
• WHAT service or program are we providing? (Is this the best way to serve their needs?)
• HOW will we launch this ministry? (What’s the process or plan for moving forward?)
• WHEN might we launch this? (Is this the right time?  How long will it last? Can we pilot it?)

Coaches raise questions that others fail to ask
Questions are at the heart of coaching.  They frame how we approach topics and set the tone for further conversations. Questions can help us challenge the assumptions we hold and empower us to take action. Different types of questions are addressed throughout the coaching process, and to whom we’re seeking input or a response from.

I was working with a Faith Formation Director who was charged with launching  a new Vibrant Faith Planning Team as directed by her Personnel Committee. She already had individuals and team members in place doing much of the work that this new team was charged with overseeing.  She stated, “I’m not sure how I’d use this team and I’m not looking forward to tying up another night every month.”  It was obvious that the question “Why do we need this leadership team?” was never fully discussed among Personnel, the Faith Formation Director and the pastors. Two of the most important questions we need to regularly ask is,”Why is this important?” and “Is this worth doing?” Listed below is are some of the questions I ask frequently ask congregational leaders:

Are you gathering the right information?
I remember sitting down with a youth director who couldn’t wait to show me how he tracked the most minute details of everyone of youth event.  He evaluated every event and took copious notes on what he’d do differently if he ever did the event again.  When he asked what I thought of his plans and he was startled to hear me say, “You’re spending too much time tracking the things that don’t matter, and not enough time tracking what really does matter.” I showed him my  evaluation from a recent youth event I coordinated who’s congregation’s mission statement was, “Helping people connect with God, connect with each other, and connect to the needs of the community.” The feedback we gathered showed how the event helped young people connect with God through Jesus Christ. It included stories about how we saw youth building deeper relationships with each other during the event. It included ideas for incorporating a service component into the event if was ever held again.  I told him that “If we only gather feedback on logistics rather than how the event changed lives, then we’ve failed to gather the essential data.”  

Are you willing to have other point our your blind spots?
I’ve found that one of the most helpful things you can do to aid in your self-evaluation efforts is to invite someone into your life that will give you honest feedback. This also assumes that you are open to hearing about all facets of your life and ministry and will not take offense if things are shared that you may be surprised by or disagree with.  We all have blind spots and it’s usually our friends and family members that are most aware of our greatest strengths and our greatest personal challenges.

Will you be able to find the information when you need it?
I remember working with a pastor who hoarded every newspaper article, research document and trivial statistic he came across in anticipation that he’d have just the right article or sermon illustration when he preached.  The only problem was that his current filing system, consisting of stacks and overflowing piles everywhere, didn’t lend themselves to having the information at his fingertips when needed. It also meant that people couldn’t visit with him in his office (there was no place to sit down) and nor was there any space on his desk in which to use his laptop.  He may have had great articles and ideas, but he could access them when needed.

There’s really no reason to collect feedback if it’s not going to be used. if you’re going to spend the time gathering feedback, then spend a little more time figuring out where you’ll store what you gather.  If we’re intent on using the feedback to improve our ministries, then we need to find a place where we can store our “actionable” recommendations and ideas.  I keep a “Notes” sections on my iPad where I maintain this information and review it on a monthly basis. The gems of wisdom I’ve gleaned over the years continue to get woven into a multitude of projects and new proposals simply because I know where I can find them when they’re needed.

For more insights and ideas for ways to evaluate your ministry effectiveness, please complete the “Reflecting on Ministry” form (Tool #25) and the considering responding to the “Coaching Questions” form (Tool #26) in the Leadership Toolkit.
____________________________________________________________________________
Questions to Ponder

• What prevents you from regularly evaluating your life and your ministry?
• In what ways do you think your ministries would be different if you constantly evaluated them?
• Whom would you trust asking for feedback on your ministry performance?
• What information do you need to gather from members, leaders or your community to do your best work?
• What’s the next step for acting on feedback you’ve already received?

Evaluating Important Decisions
We generally make our best decisions when we take time to gather information from a variety of sources and a variety of perspectives.  Edward De Bono’s “6 Thinking Hats” serves as a tool to help leaders broaden their perspective and make more informed decisions.  Listed below is an overview of his “6 hats” thinking process along with a few typical questions one might ask.



Evaluating Using WHO, WHAT, WHERE,WHY, WHEN and HOW Questions
This is another basic tool I frequently use with congregations to help them explore the launch of a new program or ministry.  I often use this method to discern if this ministry fits their overall vision, and if the timing is right is appropriate:

• WHY are we doing considering this? (What is the purpose? How does it fulfill our mission?)
• WHERE is this leading us? (Is it helping us live into our vision?)
• WHO are we seeking to serve? (Who are we planning to serve? What are their needs?)
• WHAT service or program are we providing? (Is this the best way to serve their needs?)
• HOW will we launch this ministry? (What’s the process or plan for moving forward?)
• WHEN might we launch this? (Is this the right time?  How long will it last? Can we pilot it?)

Coaches raise questions that others fail to ask
Questions are at the heart of coaching.  They frame how we approach topics and set the tone for further conversations. Questions can help us challenge the assumptions we hold and empower us to take action. Different types of questions are addressed throughout the coaching process, and to whom we’re seeking input or a response from.

I was working with a Faith Formation Director who was charged with launching  a new Vibrant Faith Planning Team as directed by her Personnel Committee. She already had individuals and team members in place doing much of the work that this new team was charged with overseeing.  She stated, “I’m not sure how I’d use this team and I’m not looking forward to tying up another night every month.”  It was obvious that the question “Why do we need this leadership team?” was never fully discussed among Personnel, the Faith Formation Director and the pastors. Two of the most important questions we need to regularly ask is,”Why is this important?” and “Is this worth doing?” Listed below is are some of the questions I ask frequently ask congregational leaders:

Are you gathering the right information?
I remember sitting down with a youth director who couldn’t wait to show me how he tracked the most minute details of everyone of youth event.  He evaluated every event and took copious notes on what he’d do differently if he ever did the event again.  When he asked what I thought of his plans and he was startled to hear me say, “You’re spending too much time tracking the things that don’t matter, and not enough time tracking what really does matter.” I showed him my  evaluation from a recent youth event I coordinated who’s congregation’s mission statement was, “Helping people connect with God, connect with each other, and connect to the needs of the community.” The feedback we gathered showed how the event helped young people connect with God through Jesus Christ. It included stories about how we saw youth building deeper relationships with each other during the event. It included ideas for incorporating a service component into the event if was ever held again.  I told him that “If we only gather feedback on logistics rather than how the event changed lives, then we’ve failed to gather the essential data.”  

Are you willing to have other point our your blind spots?
I’ve found that one of the most helpful things you can do to aid in your self-evaluation efforts is to invite someone into your life that will give you honest feedback. This also assumes that you are open to hearing about all facets of your life and ministry and will not take offense if things are shared that you may be surprised by or disagree with.  We all have blind spots and it’s usually our friends and family members that are most aware of our greatest strengths and our greatest personal challenges.

Will you be able to find the information when you need it?
I remember working with a pastor who hoarded every newspaper article, research document and trivial statistic he came across in anticipation that he’d have just the right article or sermon illustration when he preached.  The only problem was that his current filing system, consisting of stacks and overflowing piles everywhere, didn’t lend themselves to having the information at his fingertips when needed. It also meant that people couldn’t visit with him in his office (there was no place to sit down) and nor was there any space on his desk in which to use his laptop.  He may have had great articles and ideas, but he could access them when needed.

There’s really no reason to collect feedback if it’s not going to be used. if you’re going to spend the time gathering feedback, then spend a little more time figuring out where you’ll store what you gather.  If we’re intent on using the feedback to improve our ministries, then we need to find a place where we can store our “actionable” recommendations and ideas.  I keep a “Notes” sections on my iPad where I maintain this information and review it on a monthly basis. The gems of wisdom I’ve gleaned over the years continue to get woven into a multitude of projects and new proposals simply because I know where I can find them when they’re needed.

For more insights and ideas for ways to evaluate your ministry effectiveness, please complete the “Reflecting on Ministry” form (Tool #25) and the considering responding to the “Coaching Questions” form (Tool #26) in the Leadership Toolkit.
____________________________________________________________________________
Questions to Ponder

• What prevents you from regularly evaluating your life and your ministry?
• In what ways do you think your ministries would be different if you constantly evaluated them?
• Whom would you trust asking for feedback on your ministry performance?
• What information do you need to gather from members, leaders or your community to do your best work?
• What’s the next step for acting on feedback you’ve already received?

Evaluating Important Decisions
We generally make our best decisions when we take time to gather information from a variety of sources and a variety of perspectives.  Edward De Bono’s “6 Thinking Hats” serves as a tool to help leaders broaden their perspective and make more informed decisions.  Listed below is an overview of his “6 hats” thinking process along with a few typical questions one might ask.


Evaluating Using WHO, WHAT, WHERE,WHY, WHEN and HOW Questions
This is another basic tool I frequently use with congregations to help them explore the launch of a new program or ministry.  I often use this method to discern if this ministry fits their overall vision, and if the timing is right is appropriate:

• WHY are we doing considering this? (What is the purpose? How does it fulfill our mission?)
• WHERE is this leading us? (Is it helping us live into our vision?)
• WHO are we seeking to serve? (Who are we planning to serve? What are their needs?)
• WHAT service or program are we providing? (Is this the best way to serve their needs?)
• HOW will we launch this ministry? (What’s the process or plan for moving forward?)
• WHEN might we launch this? (Is this the right time?  How long will it last? Can we pilot it?)

Coaches raise questions that others fail to ask
Questions are at the heart of coaching.  They frame how we approach topics and set the tone for further conversations. Questions can help us challenge the assumptions we hold and empower us to take action. Different types of questions are addressed throughout the coaching process, and to whom we’re seeking input or a response from.

I was working with a Faith Formation Director who was charged with launching  a new Vibrant Faith Planning Team as directed by her Personnel Committee. She already had individuals and team members in place doing much of the work that this new team was charged with overseeing.  She stated, “I’m not sure how I’d use this team and I’m not looking forward to tying up another night every month.”  It was obvious that the question “Why do we need this leadership team?” was never fully discussed among Personnel, the Faith Formation Director and the pastors. Two of the most important questions we need to regularly ask is,”Why is this important?” and “Is this worth doing?” Listed below is are some of the questions I ask frequently ask congregational leaders:


Are you gathering the right information?
I remember sitting down with a youth director who couldn’t wait to show me how he tracked the most minute details of everyone of youth event.  He evaluated every event and took copious notes on what he’d do differently if he ever did the event again.  When he asked what I thought of his plans and he was startled to hear me say, “You’re spending too much time tracking the things that don’t matter, and not enough time tracking what really does matter.” I showed him my  evaluation from a recent youth event I coordinated who’s congregation’s mission statement was, “Helping people connect with God, connect with each other, and connect to the needs of the community.” The feedback we gathered showed how the event helped young people connect with God through Jesus Christ. It included stories about how we saw youth building deeper relationships with each other during the event. It included ideas for incorporating a service component into the event if was ever held again.  I told him that “If we only gather feedback on logistics rather than how the event changed lives, then we’ve failed to gather the essential data.”  

Are you willing to have other point our your blind spots?
I’ve found that one of the most helpful things you can do to aid in your self-evaluation efforts is to invite someone into your life that will give you honest feedback. This also assumes that you are open to hearing about all facets of your life and ministry and will not take offense if things are shared that you may be surprised by or disagree with.  We all have blind spots and it’s usually our friends and family members that are most aware of our greatest strengths and our greatest personal challenges.

Will you be able to find the information when you need it?
I remember working with a pastor who hoarded every newspaper article, research document and trivial statistic he came across in anticipation that he’d have just the right article or sermon illustration when he preached.  The only problem was that his current filing system, consisting of stacks and overflowing piles everywhere, didn’t lend themselves to having the information at his fingertips when needed. It also meant that people couldn’t visit with him in his office (there was no place to sit down) and nor was there any space on his desk in which to use his laptop.  He may have had great articles and ideas, but he could access them when needed.

There’s really no reason to collect feedback if it’s not going to be used. if you’re going to spend the time gathering feedback, then spend a little more time figuring out where you’ll store what you gather.  If we’re intent on using the feedback to improve our ministries, then we need to find a place where we can store our “actionable” recommendations and ideas.  I keep a “Notes” sections on my iPad where I maintain this information and review it on a monthly basis. The gems of wisdom I’ve gleaned over the years continue to get woven into a multitude of projects and new proposals simply because I know where I can find them when they’re needed.

For more insights and ideas for ways to evaluate your ministry effectiveness, please complete the “Reflecting on Ministry” form (Tool #25) and the considering responding to the “Coaching Questions” form (Tool #26) in the Leadership Toolkit.
____________________________________________________________________________
Questions to Ponder

• What prevents you from regularly evaluating your life and your ministry?
• In what ways do you think your ministries would be different if you constantly evaluated them?
• Whom would you trust asking for feedback on your ministry performance?
• What information do you need to gather from members, leaders or your community to do your best work?
• What’s the next step for acting on feedback you’ve already received?