Enduring Churches Podcast with Alan and Trent

Episode379: When a Bias For Action is a Bad Thing

Episode 379: When a Bias For Action is a Bad Thing

 

Most of us have what you’d call a bias for action. We want to make things happen. When is that a negative?

 

1. When accuracy matters more than speed
2. When we don’t have much evidence
3. When we are avoiding pushback
4. When we continually shift priorities
5. When we intentionally harm others

Bonus Episode: Tren't Interview with Wayne Heath on Mission Trips

Episode 377: Thinking About the Church Schedule

Episode 377: Thinking About the Church Schedule

Consider :

your people’s schedules

• time
• traditions
• needs
• workers
• space
• training

 

Episode376: That Crazy Little Thing Called EQ

Episode 376: That Crazy Little Thing Called EQ

 

How you respond under pressure… > How you handle conflict… > How you process emotions… > How you communicate with people…

 

We got this idea from leaders.church. The how you respond came from them. Everything else is Trent and II talking through them.

Episode 375: Trust Issues

Episode 375

link to article

 

Episode 374: All About Traditions

Episode 374: All About Traditions

 

Trent and alan discuss the good and bad of traditions in the church.

Episode 373: 4 People You Need in Your Life

Episode 373: 4 People You Need in Your Life

Episode372: Do's and Don'ts of Leading a Staff

Episode 372: Do's and Don'ts of Leading a Staff

 

1. Do value each team member as a co-laborer in the mission; do not treat them as merely an employee.

2. Do provide intentional training and ongoing feedback; do not assume growth will occur without guidance.

3. Do affirm and support your staff publicly; do not undermine them through criticism or negative speech.

4. Do address concerns privately and directly; do not correct or criticize in front of others.

5. Do practice honest, consistent evaluation; do not allow negative feedback to come as a surprise.

6. Do regularly express appreciation; do not allow your staff’s contributions to go unrecognized.

7. Do handle dismissal with care, clarity, and compassion; do not act with arrogance or insensitivity.

Episode 371: How to Respond to Criticism

371: How to Respond to Criticism

 

A special thanks to Dana Young for this note on facing criticism.

 

1st admit that you are not perfect. Jesus was the only perfect human to walk the earth, and you are not Him. Take ownership and admit that you always have room for improvement.

 

2nd assess whether the criticism is constructive or destructive. Is it intended to help you improve or to tear you down? Take the constructive and ignore the destructive. If the criticism was meant to harm you, ignore it and move on. Do not dwell on it. (If the criticism is from an anonymous critic, do not waste your time.)

 

3rd take a breath. Do not respond immediately. Take time to ponder and consider how the criticism can make you better.

 

4th thank the person for caring enough to offer their opinion. If they didn’t think you could improve, they wouldn’t have come to you. They could have chosen to complain to other people about you instead of coming to you.

 

5th ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) (Proverbs 15) Seek direction from the Holy Spirit. See this as an opportunity to improve. Be teachable and humble.

 

6th make the improvement and move forward. Do not get stuck in a negative thought pattern regarding the criticism. Focus on the good.

 

1 Peter 5:1-10

Episode 370: 7 Keys for Moving People from Guests to Engaged Members

Episode 370: 7 Keys for Moving People from Guests to Engaged Members

 

1. Make sure you ask for contact information, remembering that less is more. You need a name and a contact method, preferably a phone number. If they put kids in your care, you can ask for more information for safety reasons. But don't overtask.

2. Reach out quickly; the more quickly we reach out, the more powerful the statement. A quick text to say thank you, along with the promise of a phone call at a certain time later, makes a meaningful statement. Also, make sure it's more than just a pastor. Another layperson adds greatly to the conversation.

3. When you do talk with them, ask questions, don't just give them information. Too often, we want to tell them about everything going on at the church. Let them ask you the questions. They will realize they matter to you.

4. Be honest and unashamed about who you are. If they don't like your worship style, don't apologize for how you do it. If you don't have a large student ministry, don't apologize, but be enthusiastic about the type you would like to build.

5. Be gracious if they are not sure; they will come back. Remind them of other churches in the area and encourage them to find the place God wants them to be. We are kingdom collaborators, not kingdom competitors.

6. Offer a membership class. Churches with effective membership classes tend to attract more guests and see more people join.

7. Work to connect people with a Sunday School or small group. People stick when we find ways to connect them with others.