It is a privilege for me to emphasize and throw some light on two aspects - direction and goal. As we start navigating this year strategically by clarifying our vision and journey map, I believe it is important to dwell on important criterion to accommodate our comprehensive understanding of our approaches and methodologies to include it in our personal and ministry strategy. In the article from Harvard Business Review, Elsbeth Johnson puts this beautifully, "Having time for strategy isn't a luxury it's a necessity. And it's not something you can delegate or outsource. Nor is it something that you should do once in a year. It needs to become part of your weekly schedule.".
Impact evaluation: This is an important concept where social sciences nudges people to move from activities to outcome, where they call it impact since it denotes a longtime positive change. Some quote 1 Corinthians 3:6, where it says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”. Eventually, in this context, many argue that they do not worry about results or analyzing the results because they believe that has to be left to God. I do agree, but what if our interventions are ambiguous and does not integrate the Biblical mandate of Christ? Nevertheless, there will be a celebration but not for the desired outcome connected to the Great Commission. Remember when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he witnessed a great celebration among people for which Aaron was responsible, but as you all know the celebration was for the wrong reason (Exodus 32). What you celebrate should be Biblically compatible in reference to the Mission given to us.
In the parable of the sower Jesus explains about the seeds falling on good ground and He adds a measurement metrics too. Follow the verse in Matthew 13:8, “still other seed fell on good ground and produced fruit: some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times what it was sown.”. Jesus did not just blanket and generalise the results but He distinguishes them. Jesus concluded the parable by adding an emphasis in the following verse 9 of the same chapter which says, “Let anyone who has ears listen.” The results are invariably measured. Let us be reminded of the fact, “What gets measured gets improved.”. I urge you to seriously consider your ministry journey map and align all parameters for greater impact in your Church and in your community.
Quality Assurance: Bible talks about “Quality assurance”. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:13 warns us by stating, “each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.”. God does not use a blanket approval just because we do ministry. The quality of our work will be gauged. This means that our interventions and works will need specifications and details. Remember, we worship a God of specifications, be it Noah’s ark or the tabernacle or Solomon’s temple. Specifications were given in terms of design and outcomes. So why do you intend to run haywire and be all over the page failing to create a meaningful impact. You may be having an independent ministry or a Church ministry or an organization. Regardless of what you have, it is time to spend your energy to set your direction right to bring about measurable results. Do not forget, at the end, your work will be tested by fire.
In this New Year 2021, I urge you both lay people as well as those in the ministry to dream big, to define your dream and vision, list goals and outcomes, work out milestones, identify the risk factors, articulate the ministry plan and develop a ministry blueprint. Mission is concerned with nothing less than the completion of all that God has begun to do in the creation of the world and of humankind. Its concern is not sectional but total, holistic and universal. May God use you and your ministry to impact the community and the nation.
You may check Direction & Goal - part 1 for getting clarity and continuity.
Wishing you a blessed New Year 2021!!!!
I am glad God gave me this unique ministry, (SHEFA MINISTRIES) in India to help Churches find their vision, goal and develop a ministry Blueprint, strategy document and most importantly a detailed roadmap to follow. I had an opportunity to help many Churches of different denominations to have their 5 year or 10-year ministry plan as requested by them, enlisting definite measurable outcomes. You may connect with me to get support in designing your ministry blueprint, trainings and seminars on Church Holism, Holistic Approach and other concepts dealt in this blog.
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