Stop Preaching…
O.K. - so it’s the holiday season, and you know what that means. Yep - time to pick a fight with those you love. Hmmm.., that sounds wrong. Maybe that’s just a side effect of all the family time!
Well, dear family - here we go.
Most preaching is done for the personal fulfillment of the preacher, not for the betterment of the people listening. Most preachers/teachers focus on what they want to preach or teach instead of what people need to hear. That means the message is based in personal ego and not in the concern for the congregation.
How’s that for picking a fight!!
Over the years I have seen countless messages given that the speakers thought were great, but that the people found useless. What typically happens is that the speaker finds an interesting fact, passage or illustration, and thinks “I could preach on that!”. The message that ensues is a walk down personal gratification lane.
What should happen is that those delivering the message actually study their audience and spend time preparing a message that will make a difference in their lives. Simply offering an interesting Biblical commentary on some topic is a waste of people’s time.
People need real help in putting their lives together, and are willing to give those who speak a shot at bringing that help.
Stop preaching and teaching, and focus on Communicating and Motivating! Communicate the core truths that the Bible offers: truths on morality, money, relationships, and such. Motive the people listening to actually DO something with what they are hearing. Give them a step to take each and every time!!
Before you deliver a message, read through it and ask yourself “So what?”. If you have no answer other than “that was interesting” - go back and start over. Otherwise you are just wasting time and being self indulgent .
Budget for 09
It is budgeting time for churches and non profits. With the shaky economy right now, most organizations are looking to cut back on expenditures. 2009 looks to be a tighter year than 08. At the same time that “lower funds” are being expected for 09, income is actually increasing in 08. This can create a false sense for the budgeting process. Here are a few things that may help you to get a good perspective.
1. There is no money for 09. The Economy is in the worst shape since WWII. With very few exceptions, everyone is expecting for churches and nonprofits to have less money given to them in 09.
2. They are wrong. Long term studies show that these groups still maintain income, regardless of the ups and downs in the economy.
3. Budget as if they are right. No one will let you put a “growing” budget out right now. If you try - they will doubt your ability to see reality. You cannot win this argument.
As a leader, you budget for slight decrease to flat - and have a plan on what to add in each quarter as the “unexpected” funds come in. If by some fluke, history is wrong - you will still be OK.
