Managing Projects for Ministry

154 Manag i ng Pro j ec t s for Mi n i s t r y

The Art of Engagement, continued

~ Risk brings the prospect of personal failure and humiliation. “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1.7). ~ Natural to dread change, but we are constantly being transformed. ~ Flexibility (openness to change) is critical to exercising wisdom. ~ Wisdom may dictate action resulting in controversy, but if it is in the best interest of the vision, you must act courageously and sensitively. • Willingness to be in a protracted conflict ~ Armies continue fighting even when they know they will be defeated. ~ Prolonging the war reduces the humiliation of defeat. ~ You need help to be victorious but also when to minimize your losses. ~ “Encouraging people to pledge themselves to survival is an admission of defeat” (George Barna). • Experience. “I’ve been here a long time and I know what’s been going on. I’ve been in this community for 12 years and I know this isn’t going to work.”

Benefits of Using Wisdom in Ministry

• Clear vision helps everyone understand if the team is doing well or not.

• Clear direction minimizes confusion giving a sense of confidence and hope.

Everyone knows their assignment .

•

• People can decide if they want to stay and help fulfill the vision or move on to something else. You do not want people on your team who are not supporting the vision. If they stay they will either become inactive or will cause problems.