Our programs are healthy
Your Question:
“Our CM programs are healthy, happy, and safe. Rather than just “relaxing,” how can we use this good ‘season,’ and prepare for new challenges or new growth?”
The Issues:
Enjoying this ‘season’ of health is important but use this time to dream about doing more and making things better. Consider creating or expanding one new program each year. Prayerfully decide what your yearly plan will be and begin creating a vision for it. Ask your senior pastor for his support and begin recruiting to the specific vision for the expansion. Don’t neglect those who are currently serving on your CM team. You might invite some to advance to new levels of leadership.
Scripture Foundation:
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8: 10-18
Short Answer:
Jesus’ style of ministry was very successful. After miracles or amazing events, He often withdrew with His disciples to talk. He also often let His disciples experience a challenge after a big success. Here are some examples:
- After the feeding of the 5,000 – They experienced the storm at sea, Peter walks on water. (Mt. 14:13-34)
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After the feeding of the 4,000 – Jesus taught the disciples about “bread” (Mt. 15:29 – 16:12)
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After the series of parables – Jesus lets His disciples ask Him questions and teaches them personally. (Mt. 13: 1-52)
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After the transfiguration – Jesus shares personal challenges with His three “leaders.” (Mt. 17: 1-9)
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After healing a demon-possessed boy – Jesus answers the disciples’ questions about their own abilities. (Mt. 17: 14-21)
Use the “good times” to strengthen the ministry and to prepare for new things! Meet with your CM team (in groups or in total) and thank them for their wonderful service. Encourage them to keep doing what they’re doing. Share positive parent stories or team member testimonies with the whole team. Make sure to share these same stories with your pastoral supervisor or your senior pastor. Invite a few of your CM leaders to meet for a “dream meeting” to discuss new ministry adventures. Make sure to discuss and pray for recruiting new CM team members to either serve in these new ministry efforts, or to fill in for those current CM team members who want to shift from what they are currently doing to serve in the new programs. In your recruiting efforts, recruit to the specific new plans. People respond to vision-based programs much more than a simple “join our team” invitation. For more help, click on the links below.
Visit other articles in the “Developing Programs APPENDIX“
