Small Group Pastors

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Creating Room for Your Leaders

Many of you know that I am an avid John Maxwell fan, and I am really resonating with his latest book entitled 5 Levels of Leadership.  In the discussion on Level 5: The Pinnacle, the highest level of leadership accomplishment is developing other leaders.  Maxwell goes on to discuss several different guidelines to consider on your quest for leadership development.  One particular topic peaked my interest and made me actually evaluate the leadership environment that we have created.  Consider what Maxwell says:

Create Room at the Top:  Take a look at your organizational chart.  Are there openings available for talented leaders who desire to move up?  Take a look at the leaders who are near the top of the chart.  Of what caliber are they?  How long have they been with the organization?  How long are they likely to stay?  Are they so firmly entrenched that the talented leaders below them in the organization have little hope of advancing?  If there are no openings and the leaders you have aren’t going anywhere, then there is no room at the top for other potential leaders.  How can you create some?  What new challenges can you give your existing top leaders to open up their current positions to others?  What kinds of expansion or types of initiatives could your organization tackle that would require additional leaders?  If you don’t create room at the top for developing leaders, you will waste much of your potential horse-power, and you will eventually start to lose your up-and-coming talent.

This section made me do a self-evaluation of the leadership development process in the Small Group Ministry.  So, here is our Leadership Development Plan for creating room at the top for our current leaders:

  • Host (Low-low commitment)  A Host is someone who commits to attend a New Host Orientation, open their homes for 4-6 weeks for new Small Group members, push play on the DVD player, and facilitate the discussion time.
  • Apprentice (Low-Medium Commitment)  An Apprentice is someone who is willing to follow or shadow a seasoned Small Group Leader.  The Apprentice will commit to attend a New Apprentice Orientation and attend their mentor’s group for at least 6 weeks-4 months.  In the group, the Apprentice will be given some leadership responsibilities such as facilitating the discussion, planning an outreach event, or even taking full leadership responsibility at the absence of the Leader.
  • Leader:  (High Commitment)  A Small Group Leader commits to attend a New Leader Orientation, meet the membership requirements (follower of Jesus, baptized, and has attended First Step), commits to future leadership trainings, and commits to the Small Group Leader Agreement.  The time commitment will include lesson preparation time, praying for their group members, meeting with their group members outside of group, recruit an Apprentice, and open their home to meet with their group 1x a week.  This commitment is for at least one Small Group Season. (9 months)
  • Senior Leader:  (High-High Commitment)  A Senior Leader commits to attend all Senior Leader gatherings and agrees to mentor at least 5-10 current Small Group Leaders.  The Senior Leader must attend a Senior Leader Orientation and must meet with their Small Group Pastor and their current leaders at least once a quarter.  The Senior Leader will visit groups, have one-on-ones, be available for advice, prayer, or help, and will be involved in their own personal Small Group on a weekly basis.
  • Spiritual Leader:  (Extremly-High Commitment)  A Spiritual Leader must meet the requirements of an elder.  No, we are not looking for perfection but we are serious about their commitment to follow Jesus in their daily lives.  The Spiritual Leader will commit to Spiritual Leader Orientation and all future Spiritual Leader Gatherings.  The Spiritual Leader is an extension of the Pastor and will commit to pray for the pastors, the people and will be available for prayer, communion, baptism, conflict-resolution, hospital visits, First Wednesday prayer and comforting the sick and grieving.  The Spiritual Leader must be active in a Small Group and be willing to serve as the need arises.  The initial commitment is for 1 year and the Spiritual Leader must be chosen by a ministry Pastor to serve in this specific role.
  • Ministry Partner:  (Extremely-High Commitment)  The Ministry Partner serves on our volunteer staff team and must go through the hiring/interview process.  The Ministry Partner is partnered with one of our staff leaders and mentors them in that particular area of ministry.  The MP will attend all staff meetings, team meetings, MP gatherings, and will commit to serve at least 4-40 hours a week for a period of at least 1 year.
  • Intern:  (Extremely-High Time Commitment)  The Intern serves on our volunteer staff team.  The Intern must be a person who feels the call to ministry and is willing to commit 20-40 hours per week for a period of 2 years.  The Intern will partner with a current staff leader in a particular area of ministry and will attend all staff meetings, team meetings, Intern gatherings and all Level One events.
  • Staff:  (Extremely-High Commitment)  Many of our Interns will eventually serve in full-time vocational ministry.  A ministry job at our church is NOT part of the Intern agreement and many of our Interns may eventually leave and serve the Kingdom in other parts of the world.  It is so exciting to be able to see our Interns grow in their leadership and take all that God has taught them at our ministry and see them leading others in the mission that God has called them too.

That is a little insight on how we recently began to create room for our leaders to grow.  I believe we need to be constantly looking for opportunities to allow our leaders to grow and serve in their leadership roles.  If we do not make the room, our leaders will eventually go somewhere else.  So, how are you doing in creating room for your leaders to grow?  As you think about that question, here are some things you can do today to help you begin the journey of creating room at the top:

  • Evaluate:  Give yourself and your ministry/organization an honest evaluation.  Am I allowing my leaders to lead?  Am I an insecure leader and micro-managing?  Am I sharing my leadership responsibilities?  Are great leaders constantly being cycled through my ministry/organization?
  • Have a Plan:  Whatever you do, have a plan!  Ask for advice from other leaders.  Maybe sit down with a Ministry Coach or a Church Consultant (Tony Morgan or Church Solutions Group are a few that I would recommend.)  A Coach or a Consultant will be well worth the investment to help you get a plan implemented this year.
  • Baby Steps:  Effective Leadership Development is more like a crock-pot; not a micro-wave.  Building great leaders takes TIME and it requires a comprehensive approach to create room for your current and your next generational leaders!

So, how are you creating room for your leaders or what ideas have you tried?

February 23, 2012 Posted by | leadership, Small Group Ideas, Internship Opportunities, Books | , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Warning: SGT Love Gives His Worst Dates Watchlist

Central has launched a series entitled Relationship Bootcamp.  During the series, we have had SGT Love give helpful hints for our relationships.  This past weekend, SGT Love reveals his “Worst Dates Watchlist” to help singles on the battlefield of LOVE!  Enjoy!

February 21, 2012 Posted by | Breaking Up, Relationship Bootcamp, Singles, Small Group Ideas, Tracey Smith | , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Top Ten Favorite President’s Day Quotes

In honor of President’s Day, I would like to give my personal TOP TEN Favorite President’s Day quotes:

  1. Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession.  I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first. ~Ronald Reagan
  2. Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom. ~Thomas Jefferson
  3. When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
  4. It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. ~Harry S. Truman
  5. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John F. Kennedy
  6. There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. ~Bill Clinton
  7. In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~Thomas Jefferson
  8. We should live our lives as though Christ were coming this afternoon. ~Jimmy Carter
  9. Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. ~Abraham Lincoln
  10. I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow. ~Woodrow Wilson

So what are some of your favorite quotes or what is your favorite quote from the previous top ten list?  Whatever you do today to celebrate President’s Day, please take time to pray for our President and those that are called to lead our country during this time in history.

February 20, 2012 Posted by | leadership, life, Small Group Ideas, Tracey Smith | , , , | Leave a Comment

The Insecure vrs The Secure Leader

No amount of personal competency compensates for personal insecurity.  ~Wayne Schmidt

It has been said that a leader’s greatest liability is insecurity.  So, what is the difference between a secure leader vrs an insecure leader ? Before we jump into the characteristics of both the secure and insecure leader, I believe it is necessary to look at what the words “insecure” vrs “secure” actually means.

Secure is defined as free from fear, doubt, or anxiety; confident.  Insecure is defined as having lack of confidence, filled with anxieties, not firm or dependable.  Wow!  What a difference two little letters will make in a leader.

So, what does an insecure leader look like?  Let’s look at a few characteristics of what you may see in an insecure leader:

Insecure Leader:

  • Holds things tightly:  An insecure leader creates a “controlled” environment and likes words such as “Boss”, “The Man/Woman In Charge” or “Executive”.  Titles are very important to this type of leader because it identifies who they are.  Most employees who serve under this type of leadership will serve in an environment where they feel intimidated or manipulated.
  • Micromanages  A micromanager will always say, “I’m not a micromanager!”  They will plan out all of the details of what you should be doing, forces you to follow their plan, and then gets upset with you if you deviate from their plan.  A good micromanager will often hold a meeting and allow others to share their ideas but at the end of the meeting will then outline their plan as if they never heard any of the team input.
  • Takes all the credit  Insecure leaders will take all of the major assignments or anything that may allow others to gain any attention.  This leader will be careful not to let others bask in the spotlight.  At their meetings, they will gather others ideas and then will present them to their superiors as if it were their own.
  • Surrounds himself with doers  A secure leader does the opposite:  They will surround themselves with high-level leaders.  An insecure leader does not.  They will surround themselves with people who will be at their beck and call.  They want to ensure that their position is not threatened in any way.  An insecure leader does not desire to have others actually lead but he would rather squelch any creative ideas or thoughts.  The insecure leader is always handing out a “To do” list. 
  • Puts others down  The reason for putting others down is that it limits the opportunities for growth and advancement.
  • Makes excuses and Blames others
  • Doesn’t like to be challenged  The insecure leader will flare up when his/her ideas or decisions are challenged or threatened in any way.  They will strive to maintain and be protective in their performance and their position.
  • Runs from conflict
Now, let’s summarize what the differences are between The Secure Leader vrs The Insecure Leader?
  • A secure leader holds things loosely while an insecure leader holds things tightly
  • A secure leader shares his leadership while an insecure leader micromanages every little detail.
  • A secure leader gives the credit away while the insecure leader takes all the credit.
  • A secure leader surrounds himself with high level leaders while the insecure leader surrounds himself with doers.
  • A secure leader encourages other leaders to think for themself while the insecure leader will squelch any creative thoughts and ideas.
  • The secure leader unleashes the potential of the other leaders while the insecure leader limits himself and the other leaders around him.
  • The secure leader builds up other leaders but the insecure leader always puts others down.
  • The secure leader is confident in his leadership while the insecure leader is always making excuses and blaming others.
  • The secure leader focuses on being while the insecure leader is always focused on doing.
  • The secure leader encourages others to dream while the insecure leader is always handing out a list.
  • The secure leader is very transparent while the insecure leader tries to keep a safe distance from his followers.
  • The secure leader likes to be challenged by others while the insecure leader will always defend their position or opinion.

So what do you think?  How do you know if you are the insecure or a secure leader?

  • Evaluate yourself  Watch how you interact with others.  Are you defensive?  Do you run from conflict?  Are there any characteristics mentioned above that you exhibit to your team?
  • Ask someone  Many leaders would never come out and say “I’m an insecure leader”, but believe me, your team knows if you are insecure or not.  So,ask someone who you can trust to be honest with you and share their thoughts about your personal leadership.  Now, don’t be defensive.  Remember, that is one of the characteristics of an insecure leader.
  • Make the changes  All of us have at one time or another shown signs of being an insecure leader.  Find out what areas of your leadership needs work and make the necessary changes. You will be blessed and so will all of those who are on your team.

February 17, 2012 Posted by | community, leadership, Uncategorized | , , , , | 1 Comment

“Breaking-Up” with Your Small Group!

One of the toughest things I did as a teenage boy was to “break-up” with my girlfriends.  Although, it was much harder though whenever they would “break-up” with me!  No, I am not advocating that you “dump” your Small Group like an old girlfriend or boyfriend, but what I am advocating is a smooth transition when a Small Group leader comes to a season in their life where they can no longer lead their Small Group.

Sometimes because of embarrassment or lack of understanding the dynamics of leadership, some Small Group Leaders just walk away and leave a Small Group struggling to understand what just happened.  So, the question is, “Is there a proper way to “break-up” with your Small Group?”  Here are some suggestions if you find yourself in a season where you need to “break-up”:

  • Consult with your Dad     Pray, Pray, Pray before you ever step out of your leadership of your Small Group.  Make sure you have peace with your Heavenly Father first.  If God gives you peace, then move forward.  If not, you may just want to take a brief sabbatical and give your apprentice time to lead.
  • Contact your Small Group Pastor or Coach     “Breaking-up” your Small Group is a HUGE decision.  It is very important to call your Small Group Pastor FIRST and let them know what is going on in your life and why you feel you need to “break-up” with the Group.  I would recommend you schedule a time to sit down one on one and discuss your options.
  • Alert your Small Group Apprentice     This is why it is so important that you do not lead your Small Group alone!  All Small Group Leaders need to have someone who can help them lead their Small Group meetings.  Make sure you alert your Apprentice and begin the transition to exchange roles of leadership.
  • Set a Date     Once you have spoken to your Small Group Pastor and your Apprentice, it is time to set a date for the exchange of leadership.  If all possible, I would make the transition slowly.  I would recommend that you allow at least two weeks to a month for the transition to take place.  You and the Apprentice need to formulate and agree upon the start date.  Once that is determined, spend a few moments during the regularly scheduled meeting and share what God is doing in the life of the Small Group.  It is very important to use this opportunity to model encouragement and unconditional love for your Group members.  Be careful not to discourage your members but to make sure they leave on a good note of encouragement and inspiration.  It is part of your spiritual journey.  Introduce the new Leader and clarify their new role in the Group.
  • Celebrate     Celebrate all that God has done through the life of the Small Group and point to the future of what He will continue to have planned for the new adventure!  Have a cookout, go bowling, plan a party and focus on celebrating your leadership and your Small Group!
  • Stay Connected     No matter what is going on in your life, do not take a break from authentic community.  God created us to be in relationship with others.  The Small Group could be your greatest source of strength during this season of your life.

Studies show that Monday is the most common day for “break-ups”, whether, it is with a girl/boy friend, a small group, or a job.  So, if you are a leader and you feel you can’t continue on, I hope this helps you make a smooth transition in your role as a leader.  If you are a pastor and you are feeling the need to “break-up” with your job, please take a moment and check out this post.

Tell me your thoughts.  Have you or your Small Group leader ever had to step down?  What type of transition was it for your Small Group?

February 6, 2012 Posted by | leadership, Small Group Ideas, Uncategorized | , , , , | Leave a Comment

What’s Next for Small Groups?

What’s next for Small Groups?  No, not the structure of it but rather, the word itself?  As we flash back over history, we see somewhat of an evolution of words that represented what we call the modern Small Group.  In the New Testament, we find where it all started with the word “koinonia”.  Acts 2:

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

As I began to unpack this word, I realized that history and culture itself has formed new words that people can relate too.  For example, you would not hear someone in our day say, “I’m headed to my ‘koinonia’ time”, but what you might hear is, “I’m headed to my Small Group.”  (or Life Group, eGroup, Community Group, Fellowship Group.)  I remember my early days in ministry a common buzz word was “fellowship”.  It seemed everything had to have the word “fellowship” in it if it was going to be relevant.

Not soon after “fellowship” came another word, “community”.  Everyone jumped on the band wagon and began to use the word “community” in all of their branding and communication.  ”Community” was huge and it is still widely used in many churches  today, but by now, most of us have switched over to the word “Small Group”.  The reason why?  Well, I believe part of it came out of the mega-church movement.  We wanted to market our mega-church (Super Large churches) as not so big but as very small.  Remember the tag line,

“Small Groups:  Where the BIG church becomes Small.”

So, here is what brings me to this question:  “What’s next for the word “Small Group”?  As I looked at the original definition of “koinonia“, I find several defining marks of what true “koinonia” signifies:

  • Commitment:  ”devoted themselves”  The believers were committed to the Bible study and to each other.
  • Community:  ”believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.”  The basic definition of the word “koinonia” was ”Living in community together” and that is what the early believers did on a daily basis.
  •  Commonality:  As you read the verses above, you will see the words “they“, “their“, and “together” used often to describe the early believers.  Another phrase used in the definition of “koinonia” is  ”to hold something in common“.  Truly the believers had many things in common.
  • Unity:  The word “all” is used 5 times in the description of the early “koinonia” group.  This usage describes a unity in their faith, in sharing, in their love for one another, in their interdependence on each other, and in their commitment.
  • Application:  The group of believers not only would meet but they actually had application to the faith that they had believed in.  They were applying the things that they had learned and it made a major impact on not only their lives but the lives of so many people around them.
  • Partnership:  The early believers were partners with God and with each other.  They were living out in community and God was blessing them:  ” And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
So, what is it?  
Koinonia> Fellowship> Community> Small Groups>  WHAT’S NEXT?
What will be the next buzz word that will evolve from our word “Small Group”?  I would love to know your thoughts!

February 2, 2012 Posted by | Central Christian Church LV, community, leadership, Small Group Ideas, Small Group Ministry | , , , | Leave a Comment

TORN: Lyric Video

You asked for it and now we have it!  Here’s a video created by the Central Worship Team that was created to accompany “TORN”, a church-wide Small Group Campaign at Central.  TORN is an original worship song by Drew Bodine and the Grace Experience.  It was inspired by the hundreds of notes that were nailed to a cross that we had at the front of the auditorium after each service.  It truly was a moving moment.  During the Torn Campaign, we were able to see over 10,000 people connected into a Small Group environment.

If you are looking for your next study or your next Church-wide Campaign, please check out Central resources for additional information.  I would love to hear your feedback on the song.  Let us know your thoughts!

February 2, 2012 Posted by | Central Christian Small Groups, Drew Bodine, Latest Music, Small Group Campaign, Small Group Ideas, TORN | , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Looking for an AMAZING Opportunity in Vegas?

Looking for an amazing opportunity in Vegas?  Central Christian Church is hiring a Young Couples Small Group Pastor (ages 20-30) Central is a rapidly growing church of over 17,000 attendees located in the Las Vegas Valley, and seeks a full-time Young Couples Small Group Pastor.

We are seeking someone who is:

  • Passionate about  reaching young couples in the age range of 20 – 30
  • Has a calling for Small Group Ministry
  • Gifted in leadership
  • Is excited to live and minister in Las Vegas
  • Has the ability to communicate in front of large and small groups
  • Flourishes in serving with a team

Our ideal Small Group Pastor will possess leadership and equipping gifts, administrative and communication skills, and a practiced knowledge of church leadership and adult education. He/she will serve in helping advance the Kingdom of God through Central’s mission, core values, purposes and strategic plan.

Must have at least three years of experience in a Small Group based large church setting, have biblical education and be a licensed or ordained pastor. For more information, please visit our website at www.centralonline.tv or attend one of our online services, check the website for service times. Please send your resume to jobs@centralonline.tv

January 31, 2012 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Leaders Are Readers: What Are You Reading?

Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.~

Harry S. Truman

This statement is so true.  If you are a leader you MUST be an avid reader! Here are some reasons why:

  • Exercises Your Mind:  Sir Richard Steele stated, Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.  When you read, it truly does exercise and stretch your thinking.  I find when I do not read, my mind will get sluggish and I don’t seem as creative or engaged.  But reading challenges the status quo, rejuvenates imagination and sparks thoughts of creative.  It gives you thoughts, opinions and ideas that maybe you have never thought.  So, as much as you exercise your body; don’t forget to exercise your mind.
  • Starts the Conversation:  Have you ever wished you could have a one-on-one conversation with some of the greatest minds in the universe?  Have you ever thought it would be nice to be able to pick their brains and know their thoughts.  Through reading this is made possible.  Rene Descartes says, “The reading of all good books is indeed a conversation with the noblest men of past centuries who were the authors of them, and a carefully  studied conversation, in which they reveal to us none but the best of their thoughts.”    This includes God’s Word!  The best of the conversation with Him, the God of the Universe is found by reading!
  • Relieves Stress:  Probably no better stress reliever than to get lost in a good book!  There are two groups of readers:  those who read to remember and those who read to forget!  Sometimes reading allows us to escape into another world and allows for a time of refreshing!
  • Inspires:  One time I found myself in a season of ministry where I was not reading anything.  I slowly slipped into not being as motivated and a feeling of being uninspired and less creative.  I picked up a leadership book by John Maxwell entitled  The 21 Most Powerful Minutes In A Leader’s Day.  It is a daily devotional book which intertwines Maxwell’s 21 Laws of Leadership with leaders mentioned in the Bible.  The goal was to take 21 minutes of your day and be recharged by the leadership principles presented in that day’s devotion.  As soon as I began to read again, I found myself being renewed, challenged, and inspired

Many of you know that I am focusing on being a “healthier” leader in 2012 so I thought I would share a few of the books that I am currently reading:

So, what are you reading or what book(s) have meant a lot to your leadership development?  If you are not currently reading, I hope this post encourages you as a leader to jump back into a good book and allow it to challenge and refresh you in your leadership journey.

January 30, 2012 Posted by | Books, Central Christian Church Las Vegas, leadership | , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Looking for a New Adventure?

Are you looking for a new adventure?  Is it finally time to make the change?  In the past two weeks, I have spent several hours on the phone talking with pastors or leaders who are looking to make a change.  Many of them are approaching the job search not knowing that there is help!  In every conversation, I have encouraged them to not do it alone but partner with someone who can connect them to the right fit for their next ministry.  The firm that I highly recommend is the Vanderbloemen Search Group.

Why use a search firm?  Here are a few reasons that I gave to my friends:

  • Networks:  Yes, it may be who you know or better yet, who they know!  Search firms are connected and they know and understand the uniqueness’ of different ministries.  With their personal knowledge of many pastors, leaders and ministries they have the insight to know which ministry or organization may be just the right fit for your giftedness, abilities and experiences.
  • Experience:  William has over 15 years experience in large church environments and was mentored by one of the top leaders of executive searches.  With his experiences and the experiences of his top-notch team, it ensures that you as a client or a ministry will be served by the best search firm available.  I am truly impressed by the “Dream Team” that he has put together:  Tony Morgan, one of the most strategic thinkers in the church today; Preston Mitchell, one of the founding families and formerly the Executive Pastor of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX; Jay Mitchell, who served as Executive Coach and Communication Consultant to CEO’s and management teams at EBay;  Tammy Kelly, who served on the senior leadership team at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL; and several more talented team members there to help uniquely assist you.

William Vanderbloemen and his team offer their ministry support, massive networks and unbelievable experience to connect high-capacity leaders with healthy ministries.  So, if you are in the season for searching, connect with William and his team to help make your next transition experience a pleasant one!

January 27, 2012 Posted by | Ministry Jobs, Pastor Jobs, Vanderbloemen Search Group, William Vanderbloemen | , , , | 1 Comment

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