9Tips for your first day leading a new church (Post #81)

Problems are inevitable; however, they don't have to grow out of control.  As you observe problems, pray for wisdom, and directly address the issue with love and a desire for a solution.  

I never thought I'd ever say this, but this grey hair is paying off. 
 
No, I’m not getting senior discounts… yet. The benefit isn't monetary; it's experience.  For those who may not know, I'm no longer in South Florida.  Today, I'm now serving as the Senior Minister of the Kingdom Church of Christ in Charlotte, NC. 
  

The up-north move was bittersweet.  I was (and remain) thankful to be used and directed by the guidance of God; however, saying goodbye has never been easy. 
 
However, that's the life of the man of God – you are a vessel and a servant. Therefore, wherever He leads, we follow.
 
But, back to the grey. 
 
The grey represents years that the Lord has blessed me with life and years I've spent in ministry.  At this point in my ministerial career, I've served at least three churches.  With each assignment, I've grown a bit more. This is good because the growth from these previous assignments have conditioned me with a few principles that I knew to implement in my new calling. 

If you (or someone you know… sounds very $19.95 plus shipping and handling) are about to begin a new ministry assignment, I'd like to provide you with nine tips to use on your first day in ministry. 

• Connect with Current Leaders:  This won’t cost you a dime, but it will reward you immensely.  Establish individual meetings with all your current leaders.  Develop a questionnaire and interview each of your leaders in similar fashion.  Try not to make it scripted; relax and connect.  Ensure to develop your questionnaire in such a way as to teach yourself a few things that would otherwise take a long time to learn.
• Empower your Leaders to Lead:  This is vital.  Start day one allowing the leaders in their current position to lead.  I know you don't know the leaders; however, there is no better way to get to know them than to establish your relationships by giving them the benefit-of-the-doubt.  Yes, maintain and create accountability; however, you will be blessed if you let them lead.  After all, it is this same benefit-of-the-doubt, that they are giving to you.
• Don’t Take Resistance Personal:  At this point of ministry, occasional resistance to my leadership is not only expected, I have reason to believe it's healthy. For this reason, I now desire leaders that will speak if they have questions or concerns. If you have leaders who demonstrate resistance in the early stages of your ministry, don't take offense.  After all, your offense can provoke your leaders to keep their remarks to themselves – and trust me, you don't want that.

​At this point of ministry, occasional resistance to my leadership is not only expected, I have reason to believe it's healthy.

• ​Learn the Culture before you Change the Culture:  You must never forget that people are all hesitant to change no matter their age. And with this hesitancy, people are significantly disturbed by change that they feel is unnecessary. Keep in mind that your presence is already significant change.  Therefore, the wiser choice is to begin to learn the present culture of the church first. Then, after becoming a student of the culture, then and only then, begin to make change and with these changes – ensure to make them slowly, with purpose, teaching, and a lot of communication.
• Address Problems Immediately and in Love:  Popular theme:  these early days are formative.  It’s for this very reason that you want to take this point.  Problems are inevitable; however, they don't have to grow out of control.  As you observe problems, pray for wisdom, and directly address the issue with love and a desire for a solution.  Doing this early on creates an expectation of how leaders will address problems in the future.
• Craft a Culture of Collaboration:  In my first ministry assignment, I operated as the lone ranger.  Sure, I always had control over the outcomes; however, it wasn't long until I was drowning in frustration and burnout. So, these days, I not only promote collaboration, I intentionally seek it out.  If possible, I try not to do anything alone.  Collaboration makes ministry far more efficient, excellent, and enjoyable. 
• Don’t Confuse Kindness with Trust:    Change happens best when there is trust.  As people grow to trust you, they are more willing to follow you.  Absent trust, change will be premature, and when blunders happen (and please know they will), the absence of trust will cause the problems to create questions for your leadership ability.  This pitfall can be avoided if you avoid one major mistake – don't confuse kindness for trust.  Kindness is our gift one to another in the Spirit of Christ.  However, new leaders must earn trust. So be patient, consistent, and operate with integrity – you'll gain it before you know.
• Consistently Demonstrate Appreciation:  Saying thank you is free.  Say it sincerely.  Say it often.  Say it to parishioners, volunteers, staff, and leaders within every area of the church.  For many people, that’s all they need to continue to support your work and vision. 
• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate:  And when in doubt – communicate. 

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Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

Author and Publisher of Perfectly Imperfect Perfectionist
(@kevindjonessr)
(@imperfection360)
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